NINE Gunners sent off under Arteta

ARSENAL were once again plagued by poor discipline as they dropped more points in the Premier League following a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Tuesday night.

The Gunners were in complete control against a Wolves side short of confidence, and deservedly went 1-0 ahead through a fantastic solo goal from Nicolas Pepe.

Arsenal, with a renewed sense of belief since Christmas, were on course for another victory but with just seconds remaining until half-time, a lapse in concentration turned the game completely on its head.

Willian Jose found himself through on goal with only Bernd Leno to beat before David Luiz accidentally tripped him up. Not only did he give away a penalty but he was shown a straight red card.

Wolves immediately turned the scoreline in their favour in the space of a couple of minutes, and Arsenal’s task was made that much harder after Leno received his marching orders for deliberately handling the ball outside the penalty area.

Things were going from bad to worse, and it turned into a miserable night at the office for the Gunners, who continue to be haunted by a lack of discipline.

Following Tuesday’s costly defeat, Arsenal have now racked up nine red cards in the Premier League since Mikel Arteta’s first match in charge of Arsenal on Boxing Day in 2019 - which equates to 42 games.

That figure is five more than any other team in the English top-flight since the Spaniard took over from Unai Emery.

Referees have also branded out the second most yellow cards to Arsenal (78) since Arteta’s appointment - only Newcastle have more with 81.

Southampton are second in terms of red cards in the Premier League during this period with four, following their two sending offs in their humiliating 9-0 defeat by Manchester United on Tuesday.