All of Arsenal’s 13 Red Cards under Arteta analysed (plus videos)

1-21-20
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal

While mocked for getting more red cards in 2 years in North London compared to the 8 years at the Bridge, David Luiz was badly let down by Mustafi on his return to Chelsea.

After his partner’s back pass put Jorginho clean through on goal, Luiz had a choice to make …. let the ball be tapped in or take one for the team and concede a penalty giving Leno more of a chance of making a save. The Brazilian was clearly trusting the new double jeopardy rule meaning a player couldn’t be sent off when conceding a penalty.

That’s though if a genuine attempt at the ball has been made, which Luiz’s bear hug take down was not. A better argument is that Mustafi was back on the line covering

6-21-20
Man City 3-0 Arsenal

One of the most disastrous half-an-hour cameos in our history.

Having come on for an injured Mari, David Luiz shinned a clearance straight into the path of Sterling to gift Man City’s opener before half time.

On the other side of the break he brings down Mahrez and gets a straight red card.

To his credit, the Brazilian took accountability straight away, admitting it was a mistake to play the game. Whether that was based on not being fully fit or his contract situation it was not clear.

7-7-20
Arsenal 1-1 Leicester

In a cruel blow to catching Leicester in the race for a European spot, Arsenal were leading when they brought on Eddie Nketiah for some fresh legs on the 70th minute.

It was a rare chance for the youngster to impress in the League, but 4 minutes later he was sent off for a straight red after a poor lunge.

The Gunners failed to protect their lead.

11-22 -20
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal

In a moment which left many questioning the mentality of the squad, Pepe decided to motion his head in the direction of a Leeds player.

I refuse to call it a headbutt because the defender no doubt exaggerated, but the fact is Pepe should never have given the officials a decision to make.

This came at a time when the winger’s contribution was already being questioned.

12-13-20
Arsenal 0-1 Burnley

Given the reaction Pepe’s moment of stupidly caused it seems inconceivable that Xhaka would do what he did, putting his hand across Ashley Westwood’s throat.

This was when confidence was at rock bottom with the team having won one Prem fixture in seven. At a time where we needed our senior players to step up this was the last thing we needed.

12- 16-20
Arsenal 1-1 Saints

Just three days later Arsenal again undermined themselves due to individual mistakes.

While Gabriel’s two yellows can’t be compared to Xhaka’s moment of madness it was still silly to pull back Theo Walcott knowing he was on a booking. The Brazilian wouldn’t learn from this mistake.

2-2-21
Wolves 2-1 Arsenal

Very similar to his red card at Chelsea, when conceding a penalty David Luiz puts his faith in the double jeopardy rule, but again his tackle is not judged as a genuine attempt at a ball.

Worse Is to follow ……..

Already accused of making too many errors, Leno decides with his team already down to 10 men to rush out of his area and for zero reason, punch the ball away, meaning we had to play at the Molineux with 9 men!

4-29-21
Villarreal 2-1 Arsenal

Somehow Arsenal seemed not motivated for a major European Cup Semi-Final.

Their sloppiness was summed up by two yellow cards for Ceballos although the Spaniards were accused of play acting. Arsenal did well to return to London with an away goal

28-8 -21
Man City 5-0 Arsenal

Arsenal yet again showed weak mentality.

Which happens too often in a big fixture away from the Emirates, the moment we faced adversity we folded like a pack of cards.

Having already conceded two early goals at the Etihad when the youngsters needed guidance from one of the few senior players they had on pitch, Xhaka decides to jump in with a two footed challenge.

1-1-22
Arsenal 1-2 Man City

Again the moment we faced adversity we crumbled.

While aggrieved by the nature of the penalty we conceded, Arsenal needed a leader to calm everyone down and keep composure.

Instead Gabriel scuffled the penalty spot. No bones about it, it’s a form of cheating.

Knowing he was on a yellow his body block just minutes later was senseless.

1-13-22
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal

This wasn’t reckless from Xakha but more based on his poor positioning sense.

He seemed unaware where Jota was, misreads the flight of ball, and suddenly he’s kicked a player who’s clean through on goal straight in the chest.

Be kind in the comments

Dan

Watch Mikel Arteta’s Press Conference ahead of Tottenham – “We want to play”