James McArthur Somehow Avoids Red Card After Volleying Bukayo Saka's Calf

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur was lucky to be still on the pitch following a shocking challenge on Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka.

The 34-year-old former Scotland international, who has made eight appearances for the club this season, dropped Saka with a powerful kick to the calf in Monday night's Premier League clash at the Emirates.

Referee Mike Dean decided the tackle warranted a yellow card instead of an early bath - and Saka was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga before the second-half kicked off.

It was a decision that was questioned by many fans on social media.

It was a night to forget for Arsenal, who took the lead in the eighth minute through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Despite a promising start, Mikel Arteta's side struggled to get out of the blocks in the second period and in the 50th minute, Palace equalised when Jordan Ayew found strike partner Christian Benteke.

Summer signing Odsonne Edouard soon made it 2-1 in the 73rd minute - a goal that looked like an eventual winner on Patrick Vieira's return to his old club.

But Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette equalised in the dying embers of the game to snatch a point.

Topics: Football, Bukayo Saka, Premier League, Arsenal, Crystal Palace

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_