JONATHAN Woodgate said he “didn’t really see a lot” of Jack Wilshere’s red card but insisted his players showed “togetherness” during the late fracas against Watford.
Wilshere, who had previously been booked for time wasting in the 1-0 victory, received a second caution in stoppage time from referee Tony Harrington after an altercation with Tom Cleverley.
It came after an array of players from both sides squared up to each other by the dugouts, after Joao Pedro was sent off for a rash challenge on Jefferson Lerma, which earned him a second caution.
Giving his view on Wilshere’s dismissal, Woodgate said: “I didn’t really see a lot of it but it’s a passion I want to see from my players.
“Okay, it boils over at times. I want to see my players passionate, sticking up for each other and that shows a real togetherness. That’s what I want to see.
“I have been going on about a team ethic – they showed that in the game.
“They showed that at the end of the game with the slight fracas.
“They are all in it together, that’s what I liked about the team performance today.”
The red card was Wilshere’s third dismissal in senior football – the other two having come during his time at Arsenal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel