Arsenal now lead Premier League for surprise stat, Mikel Arteta has fixed big problem

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When Mikel Arteta first arrived at Arsenal, a lack of discipline within the playing squad was a huge problem he had to tackle.

This refers to temperament both on and off the pitch, as several players including Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang eventually found themselves exiled due to their behaviour, whilst on the pitch, his players received countless red cards.

Whilst there were some contentious decisions for which the players cannot be blamed, such as Craig Pawson’s disastrous call to send off David Luiz in a defeat to Wolves, Arsenal quickly found themselves topping an unwanted stat as they were receiving more red cards than anyone else.

However, over four years into Arteta’s tenure, his squad are completely unrecognisable in this regard, and are now the most disciplined side in the Premier League.

Arsenal have received less cards than anyone else this season

Arsenal stat account Orbinho has now revealed on X that Arteta’s side are the best-behaved team in the division this season when it comes to yellow and red cards.

Arsenal have received 37 yellow and two red cards in 23 league games, with one of those red cards coming as a result of two yellows being controversially given to Takehiro Tomiyasu early in the season against Crystal Palace for taking too long on a throw-in.

The other red card was awarded to Fabio Vieira for a poor challenge against Burnley, in what was his final appearance before undergoing surgery for an injury which is still keeping him out of the team.

Manchester City are the second-best when it comes to cards, with 38 yellows, and two reds, with one also coming as a result of two yellows.

Chelsea are the worst offenders in this regard, with 70 yellow cards and three reds this season.

Are Arsenal now more disciplined on the pitch?

Arsenal have received some daft red cards in Arteta’s reign, with Granit Xhaka’s sending off against Burnley for violent conduct, as well as David Luiz’s dismissal at Stamford Bridge in 2020 prime examples of players panicking in tough situations at the detriment of their team.

The introduction of leaders such as Jorginho and Declan Rice perhaps means that Arsenal have calmer voices on the pitch during risky situations where tempers could flare up.

Perhaps Arsenal’s increased dominance in possession, and defensive solidity, puts them in less situations where players need to commit tactical fouls, or dangerous tackles out of panic which lead to sendings off.

Either way, Arteta has solved a problem which was plaguing his side since his arrival, and he has hardly had to worry about key players missing games through suspension as a result of receiving needless cards.