Arsenal have improved in one area this season that nobody is talking about
Arsenal have had an incredible run in all competitions this season, which has allowed them to remain competitive even with injuries.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League, while their run in the Carabao Cup and Champions League has them in fine form.
While many have focused on Arsenal’s set-pieces and how they continue to improve on those opportunities, there is another area that Mikel Arteta has addressed that has gone unnoticed.
Arsenal’s discipline statistics have improved this season
Arsenal’s title quest last season was hampered by injuries; However, there was another factor that caused the team some problems.
This manifested itself in the form of their discipline.
The Gunners continued to receive red cards, and while some of the fans’ blame was placed on the officials, the players could have done more to prevent the decisions that were made.
This time, Arsenal did not have to make these kinds of challenges or pull these cards from the officials.
The north London side are actually last for yellow cards, having collected just 11 in their opening 11 Premier League games so far.
They have yet to receive a single red card, meaning they are the fairest team in the division so far.
The likes of Chelsea, Wolves, Tottenham and Everton are in the top four worst disciplines, with many flying yellows and reds.
This means Arteta has had all of his players available so far this season, which is a real boost that no one seems to be talking about.
Which Arsenal players are close to a yellow card ban?
Given it is still early in the Premier League season, the threat of a yellow card ban remains high.
Before the halfway mark, it only takes five yellows to be suspended for a match, but fortunately Arsenal don’t have many players at risk.
| Player | Yellow cards |
|---|---|
| Riccardo Calafiori | 3 |
| Jurrien Bois | 2 |
| Martin Zubimendi | 2 |
| David Raya | 1 |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 1 |
| Gabriel Magalhaes | 1 |
| Myles Lewis-Skelly | 1 |
Riccardo Calafiori is the closest player to a suspension, with only two bookings in the next eight matches, leading to a suspension.
Jurrien Timber and Martin Zubimendi are at three, while David Raya, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Magalhaes and Myles Lewis-Skelly are some distance away from a ban.
This shows how well Arsenal managed their discipline and availability.