Arteta's Frustration with Rule Changes

Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has voiced his frustration over what he perceives as inconsistencies in the application of Premier League rules this season. Following a rocky start that saw the Gunners accumulate three red cards before October, Arteta reflects on their improved disciplinary record as the season progressed.

Red Card Rollercoaster

The turbulent season started with Arsenal's first dismissal in August, when Declan Rice received a second yellow card for delaying a restart against Brighton. This was followed by Leandro Trossard facing a similar fate for the same offense in September. The situation escalated when William Saliba, during a match against Bournemouth, had his yellow card upgraded to red following a VAR review.

Arteta’s Bold Statements

In a recent press conference, Arteta questioned the Premier League's rule consistency after acknowledging that the criteria for card offenses seemed to shift after the first fifteen games. "It's been because the rules at the beginning of the season when we were punished, then after 15 games they were very different. So they resolved them!" Arteta stated, displaying his exasperation with the fluctuating regulations.

Injuries and Improvement on the Horizon

Since those early setbacks, Arsenal has tightened up their discipline, with only one red card received in the latter half of the season. The team aims to continue this trend as they look toward crucial matches ahead, including a challenging clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Upcoming Challenges in Europe

On Wednesday, Arsenal will face PSG in the Champions League, battling to overturn a narrow 1-0 deficit from the first leg. PSG’s coach Luis Enrique acknowledges the pressure, stating, "We need to prepare for the second match, it's going to be difficult. We are going to suffer, we know that."

Looking Ahead

For Arsenal, the path to potential glory continues as they aim for success not just domestically but on the European front as well. With the possibility of facing formidable teams like Barcelona or Inter Milan in the finals, every match is pivotal. Will Arteta’s men rise to the occasion, or will they stumble with their disciplinary challenges?