David Ornstein has been speaking to Sky Sports this morning, after Arsenal suffered a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League last night.
Interestingly, the reliable journalist shared what he’s heard from “behind the scenes at Arsenal” in regards to their discipline this season.
What’s the story?
Well, Arsenal received yet another red card last night as Rob Holding was sent off for two bookable offences.
It means the Gunners have now received six red cards in all competitions this season, as well as 65 yellow cards.
When discussing Arsenal’s disciplinary issues, Ornstein said: “It’s not great and it was one of the issues behind the scenes at Arsenal that they’ve been really concerned about over the course of the season.”
Evidently, Mikel Arteta is struggling to help his players channel their aggression in the right way.
Last night, for example, Holding was visibly fired up for the north London derby, which is what you want from a player.
However, the 26-year-old allowed the occasion to get the better of him, which doesn’t reflect well on Arteta, nor the player himself.
Arsenal will find maturity
In fairness, this is a very young side, and they will make mistakes.
Arteta himself, at the age of 40, is the youngest manager in the Premier League, while the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are among the youngest players.
Of course, they are still professionals, and that is no excuse to lose your head in games like Holding did last night.
However, it does explain why the Gunners might struggle to compose themselves at times in the heat of the moment.
You can’t teach experience. It will come naturally with each and every Premier League game these young players take part in.
Having said that, Arsenal fans shouldn’t have to witness moments of madness like what Holding did last night – it could now cost them a place in the Champions League.
It’s time for Arteta, and the senior players such as Granit Xhaka, to do something about the club’s shocking disciplinary numbers.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
