Arsenal have had almost TWICE as many red cards as all Prem rivals since Mikel Arteta took over after Xhaka dismissal

GRANIT XHAKA'S sending off in opposition to Liverpool on Thursday took Arsenal's tally to THIRTEEN purple playing cards within the Mikel Arteta reign.

Xhaka was given his marching orders for a waist excessive kick on Diogo Jota within the 0-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg stalemate at Anfield.

Most purple playing cards by Prem groups since Arteta took over

Xhaka picked up the thirteenth of the Arteta period for a brainless problem on JotaCredit score: EPA

The sending off was Arsenal's thirteenth in all competitions underneath Arteta - FIVE greater than every other Premier League group.

Arteta took over in December 2019, so in just a bit over two years the Gunners have been proven practically double the quantity of purple playing cards as anybody else.

Southampton are the subsequent most ill-disciplined group with eight reds, however the Saints are nowhere close to Arsenal's tally of 13 dismissals.

Manchester Metropolis and Brighton take joint-third place, with seven purple playing cards every since December 2019.

Fortunately for Xhaka his newest second of insanity at Anfield did not find yourself being too expensive, as his team-mates rallied to cling on for a precious clear sheet.

It was precisely the kind of steely, gritty efficiency that has been lacking from Arsenal's sport lately.

BETTING SPECIAL - GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON

Summer season signing Ben White scooped man of the match for a wonderful show on the again, however to a person the Gunners had been excellent.

And it means it is all to play for going into the second leg on the Emirates subsequent week.

Xhaka himself apologised to Arsenal followers after the sport for probably costing his aspect the tie.

He wrote: "I wish to apologise to everybody. I'm so pleased with my group and the spirit that they confirmed to maintain a clear sheet tonight."

Arsenal's thirteenth sending off underneath Arteta comes simply days after they set the undesirable file of being the first group within the Premier League to the milestone of 100 league purple playing cards.

Gabriel's purple card on New Yr's Day was the one hundredth Premier League dismissal for Arsenal.

And on that event it did price them, because the Gunners threw away a first-half result in lose 2-1 at dwelling to Manchester Metropolis.

⚽ Get all the newest Arsenal information, updates and switch gossip with our stay blogs