Arsenal’s red card problem is already seriously affecting their season. I am not convinced they are suddenly a ‘dirty’ or violent team, even if they are on a run of more reds than anyone else in the Premier League. They have accumulated 18 in the past five years compared with their nearest challengers who are way back on 13!
I reckon it is simply a result of them being more ruthless, more physical and a tad more ‘worldly’ than they used to be. You do not train players to be more cynical or professional – choose your own description here – you just buy players who are more inclined that way. Players that will do whatever is needed to win.
This season Declan Rice was unlucky against Brighton, Leandro Trossard was trying and ultimately failing to be canny at Manchester City pretending he wasn’t kicking the ball away and William Saliba was simply determined to stop Evanilson by whatever means necessary at Bournemouth.
The outcome is seven points dropped in games after players seeing red. Yes they have to be committed and streetwise but any more defeats because of a player sent to the showers early will not be clever.
In fact, it will be quite the opposite.
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