Why Arsenal boss Arteta will be concerned about the disciplinary measure just taken against David Raya
Arsenal have already had a number of run-ins with officials this season.
Mikel Arteta has come under fire at times for some of the tactics his Arsenal side have employed.
There have already been several controversies this season surrounding the Gunners and their time wasting antics. Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have both been sent off in matches, having been deemed guilty of delaying restarts.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher sided against Rice when it came to his dismissal, and latterly felt that Trossard was at fault too.
It is clear that the PGMOL are coming down hard on time wasting – and restart delaying – tactics this season, and Arsenal have already been stung by this more than once.
Manchester City defender John Stones also labelled Arsenal “dirty” for the manner in which Arteta’s side set up in the second half against the reigning champions at the Etihad Stadium, after Trossard had been given his marching orders.
Regardless of his personal feelings about how these issues have been handled, Arteta must curb his players’ behaviour, as a line in the sand has clearly been drawn by officials and Arsenal need to get out of the habit of crossing it.
David Raya booking will frustrate Mikel Arteta
Arteta will surely have delivered a strong message to his players to not push time wasting methods too far.
However, David Raya was guilty of doing exactly this whilst on international duty. The goalkeeper was booked late on for running down the clock as Spain held on for a 1-0 win over Denmark on Saturday.
Whilst the shot-stopper was not guilty of this offence whilst representing the North London club, Arteta needs to ensure that it isn’t a habit that is allowed to creep into his game at club level.
Arsenal have already endured an injury crisis this season, and the last thing Arteta needs is more suspensions to have to contend with.
Arsenal must show maturity
As the Gunners look set to launch another title tilt this season, they will find themselves coming under huge pressure and scrutiny at times there.
There will be frustrations and setbacks along the way, but it is vital that Arteta and his players keep their heads.
That composure begins with staying on the right side of the officials.
