The reason why Ederson wasn't sent off against Arsenal after key penalty decision

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson gave away a penalty during Wednesday's 3-1 win over Arsenal, but managed to escape a second yellow card.

The incident occurred on 41 minutes, with the score at 1-0 to City.

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah broke through on goal, and managed to shoot before he collided with the onrushing City goalkeeper.

His effort was cleared off the line by Nathan Ake, with referee Anthony Taylor then pointing to the spot for a foul by Ederson. The decision was upheld upon VAR review.

Bukayo Saka converted the subsequent penalty to draw Arsenal level and give them further impetus going into the second half.

But they could not capitalise, with goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland helping City to victory after Kevin De Bruyne had earlier opened the scoring.

During and after the game, there was focus on Ederson, with the Brazilian goalkeeper having already been booked before giving away the penalty. But why was he not shown a second yellow card for the offence?

Why Ederson was not sent off vs Arsenal

The current law surrounding a yellow card offence states (via the FA website): "Careless is when a player shows lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed.

"Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned."

Referee Taylor deemed that Ederson's action, where his decision to rush out led to a collision, was careless rather than reckless, with the goalkeeper not endangering an opponent in that situation. Therefore, no yellow card was awarded.

Writing in The Telegraph, former Premier League referee Keith Hackett explained further: "Taylor had no hesitation in pointing to the spot - despite furious and prolonged City protests but the goalkeeper, who had been booked minutes earlier, escaped a second yellow card and dismissal. Both decisions were correct.

"At the Emirates, he was in a good position to view Ederson's challenge and came to the decision it was careless rather than reckless. That is why the penalty was given and why Ederson stayed on the pitch."

Topics: Arsenal, Ederson, Manchester City, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.