Anelka did not deserve dismissal, says Cole

Arsenal 2 Manchester City 1

Even Cole insisted that Anelka had not deserved the straight dismissal, which will lead to a three-game ban, after they fought over the ball when the Frenchman had just pulled the scoreline back to 2-1.

However, referee Alan Wiley not only enraged City by dismissing Anelka but also in showing Cole only a yellow card, while no action at all was taken against Edu, who also charged in to the melee. City boss Kevin Keegan, who insisted Wiley had a “poor game,” felt “aggrieved” as his side also questioned whether they should have been awarded free-kicks in the build-up to Arsenal’s two goals.