Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal’s recent disciplinary troubles as “an accident waiting to happen,” but how much could this issue impact the Gunners’ pursuit of Premier League glory? Just eight games into the season, Arsenal have already seen three of their players sent off, raising concerns about their ability to remain competitive in crucial fixtures.
In their latest setback, William Saliba received his first career red card during Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. This defeat not only ended Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season but also exposed their vulnerability when reduced to ten men. It was the third instance this campaign where Arsenal dropped points following a red card, with similar outcomes after dismissals involving Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
Former England striker Alan Shearer weighed in on Arsenal’s predicament, stressing the urgency to address their disciplinary record, noting that if it persists, their title hopes will be jeopardized. Shearer pointed out that red cards have already resulted in points lost through two draws and one defeat, and warned, “It can’t continue.”
Arteta echoed this sentiment after the Bournemouth game, stating that the red card had left his side with “an impossible task.” The Arsenal manager emphasized that maintaining eleven players on the pitch is crucial if they aim to challenge for the title.
Immediate Impact and Key Fixtures
The consequences of Saliba’s dismissal will be felt immediately, as the French defender will miss the upcoming home game against current league leaders Liverpool. Arsenal sit just one point behind Liverpool, and with tough games looming, the pressure is mounting. If Liverpool secure a win against Chelsea and follow it with a victory over Arsenal, they could move seven points clear of Arteta’s side. Meanwhile, Manchester City—Arsenal’s biggest rivals in recent seasons—could capitalize with wins against Wolves and Southampton, creating a further gap.
Arteta admitted there are internal discussions within the squad about the discipline issue, acknowledging that red cards undermine the team’s ambitions. “Certainly, we need to play with 11 if we want to be in the position we want to be,” he explained. However, Arteta praised his players’ resilience after Saliba’s red card, noting that their effort with ten men was “remarkable.”
The incident also highlighted the avoidable nature of Arsenal’s red cards. Saliba’s dismissal came after a poor pass from Trossard created a high-risk situation, showing how small mistakes can have significant repercussions. Rice, reflecting on the red card incidents, acknowledged the need for greater composure, stating, “We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games. You need all your best players on the pitch at all times.”
Historical Context and Title Implications
Arsenal’s red card record this season raises concerns about how it might affect their title challenge. A look at past Premier League champions shows that teams with fewer dismissals tend to fare better. Manchester City, winners of the last four Premier League titles, never accumulated more than two red cards in a single campaign during that period. Notably, when City picked up four red cards in the 2019-20 season, Liverpool claimed the title instead.
The last time a team won the Premier League with as many red cards as Arsenal currently have was Leicester City during their improbable 2015-16 triumph. However, Leicester’s three red cards were spread across the entire season, whereas Arsenal have already reached that mark after just eight games.
The Gunners have dropped seven points directly due to their red cards, a loss of momentum that has put them at a disadvantage. Without those dismissals, Arsenal could have maintained a perfect start to the campaign, increasing their chances of ending their two-decade wait for a league title.
The last time Arsenal experienced such disciplinary struggles was in the 2011-12 season, when they also had three red cards in the opening eight matches. While Arteta has acknowledged the issue and urged the need for discipline, this is not a new problem for the club during his tenure. Since taking over in December 2019, Arsenal have received 18 red cards in the Premier League—more than any other team during that period.
Lessons from Arsenal’s Past
Interestingly, poor discipline did not always hinder Arsenal’s success in the past. During Arsène Wenger’s reign, the Gunners won the Premier League three times despite having multiple dismissals in those title-winning campaigns. In the 2001-02 season, Arsenal clinched the title with six red cards, showing that a team can overcome disciplinary issues if it possesses enough quality and resilience.
Wenger’s Arsenal were known for their aggressive and sometimes volatile playing style, yet they thrived under pressure. Across 828 Premier League matches under Wenger, the Gunners amassed 78 red cards, but the quality and mental toughness of the squad allowed them to compete at the highest level despite these setbacks.
Arteta now faces the challenge of finding that same balance. While some teams in the past have successfully coped with red cards, the modern Premier League is more competitive than ever, and every point is crucial. With City and Liverpool showing few signs of slowing down, Arsenal cannot afford to drop more points due to avoidable mistakes.
Can Arsenal Turn Things Around?
Arsenal’s red card problem is a significant concern, but it is not insurmountable. Arteta will need to address the issue head-on, ensuring his players remain composed under pressure. While the passion and aggression that have defined Arsenal’s performances this season are positive traits, they must be channeled in the right way to avoid further setbacks.
If Arsenal can cut out the errors that have led to dismissals, they have the potential to remain in the title race. The squad has shown moments of brilliance, and with players like Rice and Trossard stepping up, there is no doubt that the quality is there. However, to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, the Gunners will need to maintain focus and discipline in every game.
The upcoming clash with Liverpool will be a litmus test for Arsenal’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. With Saliba suspended, Arteta will have to rely on his squad’s depth to navigate this critical fixture. If Arsenal can overcome their disciplinary woes, they will remain strong contenders for the title. However, if the red cards continue to pile up, it could derail their campaign and leave them wondering what might have been.
As Arteta himself said, “We need all our best players on the pitch.” For Arsenal, the path to success lies in keeping eleven players on the field—and making sure they stay there until the final whistle.
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