Does Arsenal Have a Discipline Problem, or Are Inconsistent Referees the Issue?
Arsenal’s three red cards this season have reignited the debate: is there a discipline problem within the team, or is the refereeing inconsistency to blame? With the Premier League’s officiating body, PGMOL, already facing scrutiny for perceived double standards, it’s worth examining the specifics of Arsenal’s dismissals and how they align—or don’t—with incidents elsewhere in the league.
Leandro Trossard’s sending off against Manchester City was one of the flashpoints, being sent off after he received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva. The dismissal was frustrating for Arsenal fans, as similar incidents in other matches have not led to red cards. Trossard’s action, though unnecessary, highlighted the ongoing debate about how referees apply the rules. Are Arsenal’s players truly struggling with discipline, or are referees enforcing stricter standards when it comes to Arsenal compared to other teams?
William Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth followed the rules by the book. He was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity after being caught in a one-on-one situation. The decision seemed straightforward, but was it truly a lack of discipline or a situation where Saliba had no better option? Many would argue he had to make the challenge. However, similar challenges in other matches, like a recent incident involving a defender from (match reference here), received only a yellow card. It certainly didn’t seem to be so cut and dry when compared to that case.
Perhaps the most controversial red card was Declan Rice’s against Brighton. He received a second yellow for slightly nudging the ball to delay the restart. The frustration wasn’t just with the red card itself, but with the inconsistency. Earlier in the match, Brighton’s Joao Pedro committed a similar action and escaped without a booking. Even Arsenal players like Bukayo Saka voiced their frustrations about the double standards. Is this incident evidence of Arsenal’s ill-discipline, or are they simply being punished more harshly than their opponents? Should Arsenal feel aggrieved by such inconsistencies?
This recurring theme of officiating inconsistency raises broader questions about the PGMOL. Are referees truly applying the rules evenly across the league, or is there a tendency to be harsher on Arsenal? Managers from other teams have raised similar concerns about the lack of uniformity in how referees apply the laws of the game. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, for example, found themselves on the receiving end of a controversial VAR decision against Tottenham in 2023, with Klopp openly criticizing PGMOL for their lack of consistency. If the same action can lead to different outcomes depending on the match or the referee, can Arsenal’s red cards be viewed as true disciplinary issues, or are they symptomatic of a broader problem within the officiating structure?
Mikel Arteta’s management style also comes into play. His intense, high-energy approach demands maximum effort from his players at all times. Could this be contributing to their red card tally, or is the intensity simply being unfairly punished by referees? It’s a fine line between passion and over-commitment, and Arsenal might be struggling to walk it. If Arteta is going to keep pushing his team to play at such a high level, how can he ensure that this intensity doesn’t result in further dismissals?
Arsenal’s three red cards have already had a noticeable impact on their performances this season, changing the momentum of crucial matches. But the real issue is whether these dismissals are justified or part of a larger trend of inconsistent refereeing. Can Arsenal truly fix this on the training ground, or are they fighting an uphill battle against a system that is inherently flawed?
Whatever the answer, Arsenal cannot afford to sit back and simply accept their fate. To stay competitive, they must continue to challenge PGMOL and the referees’ decisions, perhaps even providing data to back their claims of inconsistency. But more importantly, they need to respond by becoming the most disciplined team in the league. If referees are scrutinizing them more than others, then Arsenal must eliminate any excuse for further punishments. The team needs to show that they can thrive despite the challenges that come their way.
Instead of letting these decisions breed frustration, Arsenal should use them to galvanize the squad and the club. This is the perfect moment to cultivate an “us against the world” mentality, one that has fueled some of the greatest underdog stories in football history. The adversity could strengthen the team’s unity, pushing them to focus, fight harder, and prove themselves on the biggest stage.
If Arsenal can channel this energy, not only will they be a more formidable team, but they may well turn what looks like a disadvantage into a rallying cry that propels them forward in the title race.
