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Ref Watch Live -DERMOT SAYS: Ref Watch LIVE! Caicedo red card a ‘bad tackle’ claims Gallagher View post
Caicedo red the correct decision
INCIDENT: Moises Caicedo is sent off for a tackle on Mikel Merino.
DERMOT SAYS: When you see the tackle, it is bad. It’s a red card.
All I can think is that Anthony doesn’t see the point of contact. VAR has done him a massive favour because it’s alerted him to have a look.
He’s had one look and given the red card.
Caicedo red the correct decision
INCIDENT: Moises Caicedo is sent off for a tackle on Mikel Merino.
DERMOT SAYS: When you see the tackle, it is bad. It’s a red card.
All I can think is that Anthony doesn’t see the point of contact. VAR has done him a massive favour because it’s alerted him to have a look.
He’s had one look and given the red card.
Should Hincapie have been sent off?
INCIDENT: Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie avoids a sending off after his elbow connects with Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. He is awarded a yellow card instead, with VAR upholding the on-field decision.
DERMOT SAYS: I think this is a yellow card. You have to be careful not to be seduced by looking at [Chalobah’s] cheek. You have to judge the challenge.
Hincapie has leapt and used his arm as leverage, he hasn’t swung his elbow or used it as a weapon. It is a flailing arm and an unfortunate injury, but it is a reckless challenge, not a challenge where he has gone in to hurt him.
WATCH: Hincapie’s clash with Chalobah NOT a red card
Goodbye!
That’s all for Ref Watch this week. Thanks for tuning in.
Look back to see Dermot Gallagher’s verdict on the big issues from the weekend:
Was it the right call to send off Caicedo?
Should Hincapie have seen red at Chelsea?
Why Leeds were unfortunate Man City’s second goal counted
Lucas Paqueta’s ‘unnecessary red card’ against Liverpool
‘Very harsh’ penalty against Celtic for Scales handball
INCIDENT: Celtic concede a penalty against Hibs after VAR recommends an on-field review for a handball by Liam Scales.
DERMOT SAYS: I think it is very harsh, but we know the rule. I don’t think Liam Scales has any intention of handling the ball. It comes over the defender’s head. But it hits his hand and you just know in the current climate that it’s going to be a penalty.
Should Charlton been down to ten men vs Coventry?
INCIDENT: Charlton defenderAmari’i Bell avoids red card and a penalty for a challenge on Coventry’s Milanvan Ewijk
DERMOT SAYS: I think penalty and because it’s an upper body challenge it’s a red card aswell.
The referee doesn’t see it. The reason he doesn’t see it is the ball gets kicked from the other penalty area and goes too far up the field. He can’t chase the ball.
He does what every referee does and goes for the quickest route which is to go direct. What you need to do is sacrifice ground so he can see the ball. Once he sees the ball it’s a penalty and red card.
Wieffer rightly escapes penalty vs Nottingham Forest
INCIDENT: Nottingham Forest are denied a penalty for an alleged handball from Mats Wieffer
DERMOT SAYS: A great advertisement for a referee making the correct decision. If you see this from the referee’s view, it hits him in the chest or on the top of the thigh.
If you look from a different angle, it looks like it hits him in the arm.
Side angle appears to show the ball striking Wieffer’s arm
Ref’s view shows the ball hits his hip – rather than his arm
Lengthy VAR check for Brentford penalty explained
INCIDENT: There was a lengthy VAR check after the award of a penalty to Brentford a foul by Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe on Dango Ouattara, but Igor Thiago, who had come from an offside position, appeared to be involved in the action. The decision to award a penalty was upheld.
DERMOT SAYS: What took the time was Ouattara is the player going forward and Tuanzebe fouls him, but Igor Thiago actually starts in an offside position. The question is does he interfere with play? But he doesn’t stop Tuanzebe making that challenge so they decided that the penalty stood.
Should Arias be sent off for challenge on Kamara?
INCIDENT: Jhon Arias is shown a yellow card for a challenge for Boubacar Kamara after review
DERMOT SAYS: It killed the myth that every time you’re sent to the screen it decides for you.
JAY BOTHROYD: I think it is the correct decision. It is a reckless challenge but he does land on his foot. If he lands higher, you’d be saying it’s a red card.
Because he lands on his feet it’s a good decision from the referee.
Why was Cook elbow different to Hincapie’s?
INCIDENT: Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook is sent off for an elbow on Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki.
DERMOT SAYS: This is a really good spot by the ref. We spoke about the Chalobah one vs Arsenal. Hincapie used his arm as leverage and didn’t use it as a weapon. Look at this, he has used his arm as a weapon. He threw it as well as raised it.
Should Tavernier have won a free-kick before Sunderland penalty?
INCIDENT: James Tavernier doesn’t receieve a free-kick moments before Sunderland win a penalty
JAY BOTHROYD: I think anywhere else on the pitch, that is a foul. He should’ve been given a foul.
He’s come through the back of him. As a consequence of this it carries on and then the penalty happens. Bournemouth will feel aggrieved there.
Was Farke right to complain about Donnarumma ‘injury’?
INCIDENT: Daniel Farke complained about Gianluigi Donnarumma feigning injury against Leeds to give Man City boss Pep Guardiola the chance to have a team talk.
DERMOT SAYS: Referee is hamstrung. You’re not a physio, you’re not a doctor. There is nothing a ref can do.
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Here’s the latest Arsenal injury update and expected return dates ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford
Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates for Brentford: Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka latest
Arsenal will aim, at the very least, to preserve their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table when they travel to Brentford for Thursday night’s London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s men head into the contest with renewed momentum, having won four matches in all competitions since a painful 3–2 defeat to Michael Carrick’s resurgent Manchester United.
The Gunners’s most recent success came on Saturday at the Emirates, where they eased to a 3–0 victory over Sunderland, though that win did not arrive without concern, as the league leaders are now sweating over the fitness of one of their key attackers, potentially adding to an already busy treatment room.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Brentford, who secured a thrilling 3–2 win at Newcastle United in their most recent outing.
Status: Doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: Unknown
Leandro Trossard was forced off during Saturday’s win over Sunderland, and there has yet to be an official update on the 31-year-old’s condition, though he is expected to be assessed ahead of Thursday’s trip to Brentford.
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hip
Possible return date: February 22 (vs Tottenham)
Bukayo Saka has now missed Arsenal’s last three matches with a hip issue after withdrawing in the warm-up against Leeds United, and he is unlikely to return for Thursday’s encounter, with the North London derby pencilled in as a more realistic comeback date.
Status: Doubt
Type of injury: Knock
Possible return date: February 12 (vs Brentford)
After appearing from the bench against Leeds, captain Martin Odegaard has since missed two consecutive games, though Arteta has hinted that the midfielder could be back within days, so a return here is possible, albeit far from certain.
Status: Out
Type of injury: Foot
Possible return date: Unspecified
Mikel Merino recently confirmed via social media that he underwent successful foot surgery, an issue expected to sideline him for a prolonged period, potentially until the closing stages of the season.
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: February 22 (vs Tottenham)
Teenage prospect Max Dowman has been out with an ankle problem since December, with Arteta recently suggesting the 16-year-old is only a few weeks away from full recovery.
ARSENAL’S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for Thursday’s visit to Brentford.
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🔴 Confirmed Absentees
Bukayo Saka – Unavailable for Brentford as he continues to manage a hip injury. He’s been out of action for a few games now and is unlikely to feature on Thursday. Arsenal are eyeing a return around February 22, which is the North London derby vs Tottenham.
The Standard
🔶 Doubtful / Pending Fitness Decisions
Martin Ødegaard – Uncertain for the game. He’s missed recent matches with a minor muscle issue and Mikel Arteta will provide a final update in his pre-match press conference.
The Standard
Leandro Trossard – Doubtful after coming off injured in the Sunderland match. His exact return date isn’t confirmed yet, but he’ll be assessed before the Brentford game. �
Sports Mole
🔴 New Major Setback
Mikel Merino – Arsenal confirmed a major injury (broken foot) that rules him out for the remainder of the season. He’ll require surgery and won’t be available for the Brentford game or the title run-in. �
The Sun
📌 Key Takeaways
Arsenal won’t have Saka for Brentford and probably will miss Merino for the rest of the season. �
The Standard +1
Ødegaard’s participation is up in the air until Arteta’s latest check-in. �
The Standard
Trossard’s involvement will depend on how he recovers in the next 24–48 hours. �
Sports Mole
If you want the full projected lineup with these absentees factored in (plus tactical implications), just let me know!
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Here’s a summary of the remaining Premier League fixtures in the 2025/26 season after Round 25 (i.e., after Arsenal’s Game-week 25 match on 7 Feb 2026) for Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United — based on the published full 2025/26 fixture lists
🔴 Arsenal – Remaining Fixtures After GW25
(Arsenal vs Sunderland was GW25 on 7 Feb 2026) �
Sky Sports
GW26 – 11 Feb: Brentford (A)
GW27 – 21 Feb: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
GW28 – 28 Feb: Chelsea (H)
GW29 – 4 Mar: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
GW30 – 14 Mar: Everton (H)
GW31 – 21 Mar: Wolves (A)
GW32 – 11 Apr: Bournemouth (H)
GW33 – 18 Apr: Manchester City (A)
GW34 – 25 Apr: Newcastle United (H)
GW35 – 2 May: Fulham (H)
GW36 – 9 May: West Ham United (A)
GW37 – 17 May: Burnley (H)
GW38 – 24 May: Crystal Palace (A) �
Sky Sports
Key fixture: Arsenal travel to Manchester City on 18 April. �
Sky Sports
🔵 Manchester City – Remaining Fixtures After (Approx) GW25
Exact GW numbers vary, but here’s City’s end-of-season run based on published schedules: �
Yahoo Sports
Chelsea (A)
Arsenal (H) – likely around April 18
Burnley (A)
Everton (A)
Brentford (H)
Bournemouth (A)
Aston Villa (H) – Final day �
Yahoo Sports
(City’s fixture list above comes from a published breakdown of their final seven matches.) �
Yahoo Sports
🟡 Aston Villa – Remaining Fixtures After GW25
Villa’s specific fixtures aren’t fully in the Sky Sports archive, but using the general full season list and Arsenal’s schedule, Villa will have the following key matches after Round 25: �
Sky Sports
Villa vs Nottingham Forest / Forest vs Villa (January–February, potentially before or around GW25 depending on reschedule)
Villa will play Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and other mid-table teams in the run-in (exact dates depend on broadcasting schedule).
Manchester City vs Aston Villa on final matchday (from City’s schedule). �
Yahoo Sports
⚠️ Aston Villa’s exact full post-GW25 match list isn’t available from the main fixture sources we have, but the end-of-season includes the match vs Man City on the last weekend. �
Yahoo Sports
🔴 Manchester United – Remaining Fixtures After GW25
The complete United fixture list after round 25 isn’t in the main Arsenal-focused publications, but based on typical full-season breakdowns and the Sky Sports/ESPN calendars: �
Sky Sports
United’s remaining games after late January/early February include:
Home/away matches vs Leicester, Brighton, Wolves, or mid-table teams
Late-season matches vs Everton, Fulham, and Sheffield (as scheduled)
Their final fixture of the season is typically around 24 May (e.g., Brighton vs Man Utd in the published Sky Sports schedule). �
Sky Sports
⚠️ Exact Gameweek assignments depend on TV broadcast selections and rescheduling.
📊 Comparison of Key Remaining Games
Notable Post-GW25 Matchups
Team
Arsenal
Brentford, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City (A), Newcastle, West Ham
Man City
Arsenal (H), Brentford, Burnley, Everton, Bournemouth, Villa (final)
Aston Villa
Man City (likely final day) + assorted mid-table opponents
Man United
Mixed fixtures vs mid-table clubs + matches against top-6 sides (from full list)
If you want, I can also list exact dates and Gameweek numbers for Villa and Man United’s remaining fixtures once the official Premier League fixture list is published with TV selections.
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Bayern Munich keen on signing Arsenal star who has been ‘massive’ for Mikel Arteta of late Transfers
Bayern Munich keen on signing Arsenal star who has been ‘massive’ for Mikel Arteta of late
Scarlet VazScarlet Vaz8 February 2026
German giants Bayern Munich are looking to make moves in the upcoming transfer window. They are keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz has lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven and has been replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. Looking at these dynamics, Bayern Munich is heading to take advantage of this situation.
Havertz’s reduced game-time and a shift to the midfield rather than his natural striker position give the German club a brilliant chance to make a bid for him.
According to Fichajes, Bayern are looking to sign the 26-year-old, believing he will bring versatility and serve as a cover for Harry Kane.
Arsenal have seen how well Havertz has grown into Mikel Arteta’s team, and the fans love him; however, the huge sum they could receive for the striker may be tempting for the Gunners.
Kai Havertz is ready to leave the Emirates
Arsenal are having an exceptional season, topping the Premier League table as well as the UEFA Champions League table. Additionally, they made it to the Carabao Cup final after an ecstatic 4-2 aggregate win against Chelsea, with the goal in the second leg scored by Havertz itself.
The 26-year-old striker, who some feel has had a ‘massive‘ impact for Arteta since his return from injury came to the Emirates in 2023 from Chelsea. He was a key player for the Blues and became Arsenal’s first-choice striker immediately after his transfer, replacing Gabriel Jesus.
With Havertz’s present contract set to end in 2028, a move to Bayern for a regular starting position seems suitable. The Bavarian squad is reportedly preparing a significant cash offer to persuade Arsenal to part ways. However, Arsenal’s take on this deal remains unclear.
Read More: “I love his…” Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘confident’ Arsenal star in post-Sunderland press conference
Viktor Gyokeres‘ form has been incredible in recent weeks. He has made crucial contributions to the team and has scored 4 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.
Although it took him some time to find his place in the team, his improvement has been clearly visible. The fans believe they could see a lot more from him in the season ahead and in the years to come.
The Gunners face Brentford at home in a league game, and it seems like a brilliant opportunity for the Swedish forward to increase his goal tally.
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