Martin Keown makes ‘unfortunate’ Arsenal referee claim after flurry of Premier League red cards

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Arsenal’s recent red card issues have been costly so far this season, bringing about questions on the side’s discipline.

Since Mikel Arteta joined the club as head coach, the Gunners are top of the red card table and by some distance compared to their rivals.

The same can be said of the current Premier League campaign, where three sending-offs have impacted the side on three separate occasions.

Before the clash with Liverpool, every dropped point for Arsenal has come in a game where they’ve received a red card.

It has left some fans frustrated with the officials, while others are questioning the discipline of the Gunners.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals Riccardo Calafiori injury update and return as Arsenal defender misses Liverpool clash

Arsenal referee claim from Martin Keown

Many have slammed the discipline of Arsenal, with three red cards costing them dearly through the Premier League season.

However, that isn’t something that former centre-back Martin Keown agrees with, giving his verdict on the situation.

Speaking on the BBC’s Football Focus, he said: “No [discipline isn’t a problem for Arsenal]. I think Arsenal have been a little bit unfortunate.”

The Gunners may well feel aggrieved by some of the refereeing decisions, with some inconsistency creating a narrative around those calls.

Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard delaying the restart has been a unique situation, with no other Premier League team facing that punishment so far.

While William Saliba’s is more of a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity, other examples elsewhere have gone unpunished and only fuel the frustration surrounding Arsenal.

• READ MORE: Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Liverpool? Everything about the Premier League officials and VAR appointment

No referee excuses for Arsenal in Liverpool clash

If there’s one thing that Arsenal can’t do against Liverpool, it’s give them a gift and a potential hand in the tie.

Any naivety must be thrown aside, be that temptation to delay the restart of making any risky decisions that will prompt a decision from the referees.

The focus must solely be on the task at hand, which seems to be the message from Arteta and his players in the build-up to the match.

With injuries and other issues in mind, it could in fact help fuel them towards a huge potential victory in the race for the title.