Footage of referee Jarred Gillett's conversation with John McGinn has emerged explaining why new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis wasn't sent off for a second yellow card against Aston Villa on Monday night, despite appearing to try to stop a counter-attack.
It was a cagey affair in the West Midlands. While the Premier League champions had the majority of possession, a new look Unai Emery team was able to cause a lot of issues for their guests on the break, with the game remaining goalless after 45 minutes.
The main talking point at the end of the first half was whether Tzolis, who had already been put in the referee's book early on for tripping his opponents and stopping an attack, should have been allowed to stay on.
Ultimately, the answer might be found in the fact Mikel Arteta made no hesitation in taking him out of the firing line at the halfway mark, bringing on Eberechi Eze in his place.
Referee's Conversation with McGinn Explains Why He Didn't Send Off Tzolis
Despite the Gunners' boss being fearful that his new winger's conduct would lead to further disciplinary action, Gillett revealed to the Villa captain that Tzolis got away with one due to the quality of his opponent's subsequent chance.
In a conversation that was caught on Sky Sports' 'ref cam', he said: “Come with me, John [McGinn]. I know what you’re going to ask already, ‘why is it not a caution’? Because I played advantage. The foul in itself is not much, it’s a block. I played advantage. It’s a really good chance, so it’s not a yellow card.”
Watch the incident below (35 seconds onwards)
McGinn, not usually one to create a scene, respectfully agreed: “I agree with you. Good advantage.” That said, it would have been very interesting to see how things would have gone if the Villa attack came to nothing.
Arsenal's Title Defence Off to Good Start in 26/27 Season
Arsenal eventually took the lead through boyhood hero, Bukayo Saka, just before the hour-mark. After having beaten newly-promoted Coventry City 3-0 on the opening weekend, their title defence couldn't have got off to a much better start as they look to retain their crown after nipping the bud in a 22-year drought.
The way Arteta's side patiently attacks, without ever looking like they will lose control of proceedings, should be a worrying sight for their rivals, no matter how fearsome Chelsea and Manchester City have also looked at the start of the new campaign.
It is the former of that duo, though, that the North Londoners face next. How they perform against the Blues at the Emirates Stadium will be the best indication to whether Arsenal are really building a dynasty now or whether winning silverware consistently will be too difficult.