Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his growing frustration following yet another red card for his team, this time during their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth. France international William Saliba was dismissed in the first half, marking Arsenal’s third red card of the season. The loss was Arsenal’s first defeat of the current Premier League campaign, and it has raised concerns over the team’s discipline on the pitch.
In his post-match interview, Arteta was candid about the recurring problem. “Playing with 10 men, always there is an issue,” Arteta lamented. “We cannot continue to play with 10 men, especially at this level. We need to eradicate that, it’s clear.” Arsenal’s struggles with discipline have been evident, with the team conceding goals in all three games where they have been reduced to 10 men. This trend could severely impact their title ambitions as the season progresses, with crucial points dropped due to player dismissals.
A Growing Red Card Problem Under Arteta’s Tenure
Since Mikel Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019, the Gunners have become the Premier League team with the highest number of red cards. In that time, they have accumulated 18 red cards, which is five more than any other team in the league. This alarming statistic puts a spotlight on Arsenal’s discipline, a factor that has repeatedly hindered their performances, particularly in high-stakes matches.
This season, the trend continues with three key players – Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and now William Saliba – all receiving red cards. Each dismissal has had costly consequences, including a draw against Manchester City and the latest defeat to Bournemouth. Arteta acknowledged that the reasons behind the red cards have varied but emphasized that the underlying issue remains: “The truth is, when you analyse it, three very different actions and the outcome of them, the reasons are very different. Regardless of that, Arsenal cannot continue like this.”
Title Aspirations at Risk Due to Ill-Discipline
Arsenal’s disciplinary record is now becoming a major talking point in their title campaign. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, noted that Arsenal’s lack of discipline could prove costly in their pursuit of the Premier League title. “In a title race, you cannot afford to give your rivals a leg up,” Sutton remarked, adding that red cards like Saliba’s are “fine margins” that could separate winning from losing the title.
Sutton also expressed sympathy for Saliba, who received his red card due to a mistake by Trossard. “I felt for Saliba, but I did think it was a red card,” Sutton said. “It was an honest attempt to get back, but there was a coming together.” Despite the defense, Sutton stressed that such incidents need to be minimized if Arsenal are to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League crown. Saliba’s absence from the next Premier League clash against Liverpool only adds to the concern, as the Gunners face yet another critical fixture with a weakened squad.
Arteta’s Call for Discipline as Arsenal Face Champions League Challenge
Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta is keen to see his team return to winning ways, but he knows that maintaining discipline will be crucial. Speaking on the team’s recent disciplinary issues, Arteta said, “Regardless of that, we cannot continue to play with ten men at this level. We need to eradicate that, it’s clear.” His message to the players is clear: they must remain focused and avoid situations that lead to unnecessary dismissals.
The red cards have not only disrupted Arsenal’s momentum but also put additional pressure on the squad as they compete on multiple fronts. Arteta’s demand for greater discipline underscores his determination to see the team succeed in both domestic and European competitions, where even a minor lapse can have significant consequences. With the Champions League fixture on the horizon, the Gunners will need to heed their manager’s warning if they hope to avoid further setbacks.
