ARE YOU TAKING THE MIK?

FROM FRONT PAGE sent off against Burnley in December for retaliation – one of NINE red cards Arsenal have received under Arteta.

But the Arsenal boss said: “This happens every week. Every opponent has a competitive edge, using every weapon they have to try to destabilise you.

“We have to know that and try to do the same with the opponent. It is a game we play every week.

“We have got red cards in many different ways. We had two disciplinaries with Nico and Granit and the rest were just random actions throughout the game.”

Arsenal will face Leeds without £45million man Thomas Partey, who is sidelined with a thigh strain he suffered in the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

The injury-prone former Atletico Madrid man has only managed to contribute 90 minutes in the Premier League three times since joining the club in October.

But Arteta said: “Hopefully we can still see Thomas back and playing at the level he can do.

“We did not think it was too bad but after the scan it looked a little bit worse.

“He was devastated, we were all devastated. It’s a big blow for us.

“We have to protect him, make sure he is fit and ready to come back as soon as possible, but knowing we need the player long term as well.

“He knows how much he cost and that adds a bit of pressure.

“When you are not able to play you want to hurry things up. That creates some anxiety.”

Marc Roberts (ban) is out for Birmingham but new recruits Sam Cosgrove and Yan Valery can start. Luton have no new injury or suspension worries. Tom Ince will be aiming to make his first start after coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute against Huddersfield.