Mikel Arteta has urged his players to keep their cool as he prepares to welcome back Granit Xhaka from suspension for Sunday's north London derby.
Xhaka is available again after receiving a straight red card in Arsenal's 5-0 defeat at Manchester City before the international break, a costly incident that Arteta spoke to the midfielder about following the game.
It was the latest occasion a moment of ill-discipline has hampered Arteta's side after games against Leeds, Burnley, Southampton, Wolves and Villarreal last season in which they had a man sent off and failed to win.
Arteta said: 'If we do what we did last year and play four or five games with 10 players, we know that we are going to suffer in this league.
'It is something that we want to eradicate. We have to play with cool minds and understand what are the limits in the game and what you can and cannot do.'
At the same time, the north London derby is a special occasion and Arteta will reiterate its importance to his players.
The former Arsenal midfielder said: 'They do [know what it means] and I will make sure that they understand what it means.
'The history between the two clubs and where this rivalry comes from and what it means emotionally to all of our supporters.
'You have to play this game with a slightly different skin because there is a little bit more at stake.'
Tibkmnpsty
0
it will depend on your team selection..as long as you field Xhaka..aubmeyoung.. Chambers..Elneny...Mari..Leno...you are finished..which is mostly likely...am sure 100% Laccazzatte will be benched coz u hated him right from the first day u were brought in to relagate Arsenal
Fomabdilns
1
Stay on the DAMN bench punk...you costin us too many games !!!
JUSTTY91
2
Keep xhaka in the bench and put lokonga partner with partey. We will see what happen. I love that boy. ❤️
calvinBrijak
3
I believe if i was given a chance...thats never goin to happen...i could go with this just to shapen all angles of the pitch and the likes of nuno tavares,Emile smith,Eddie Nketiah,Sambi lokonga,Maitland Niles could bring in abit of fresh strength, mind and support as subs into the game.#COYG all the best for my Team in The Derby😍
Tesbilopu
0
You Know Football
I would bench pepe because he wastes ball unnecessary
Sexymore147
1
the line up that can do miracles
[image]
You Know Football
Tesbilopu
5
the line up that can do miracles
hoeaknrst
3
Best 11❤️
BUKKYY
0
you fool all epl matches are better than any other league now
lol take a chill pill you don't need to insult. I know frustration is real
pobcelmtu
0
Anyone Suffering from insomnia? I recommend you watch Arsenal vs Tottenham match
you fool all epl matches are better than any other league now
Habeiknsz
0
my best 11
[image]
Leno out
BUKKYY
0
have you watched the movie The Machinist? Insomnia is bad bt dont make it worse with Arsenal! 😩
lol
meabelrs
0
just imagine if Arteta had my brains
[image]
remove Leno pls😂
meabelrs
3
you are warning them about keeping 'cool heads' yet you're considering starting a player who is the most liable to getting a red card🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
meabelrs
1
why bring xhaka back😭😭😭😭
posaikosz
0
Don’t use auba as 9
Fuebcdlotz
1
don't pretend as if it's Xhaka who wrote that why do you hate him so much
wiplopsu
0
I wish then good luck
take out Leno and the list is complete
Majestic2
3
UniversalGod
0
Arteta warns Arsenal must prepare for defeat! 🥴
juyabdkpru
5
my best 11
Bioailmnou
0
just imagine if Arteta had my brains
[image]
From your list Leno doesn't match!
Akekala
0
Anyone Suffering from insomnia? I recommend you watch Arsenal vs Tottenham match
have you watched the movie The Machinist? Insomnia is bad bt dont make it worse with Arsenal! 😩
Bioailmnou
1
No Leno!
yowklnptuy
2
he is important at the games like this, we need him xhaka
cimlnopruy
1
just imagine if Arteta had my brains
yiuilmnrsu
1
I wish then good luck
MUTINDO
4
This is a Derby so we expects some cards and fights during the game to make some meaning of rivalry, though at the end, all nations will know that London is a 🔴⚪... Gunners for life...
Zohabdelmn
0
Xhaka again 🤔
Vezonic22
2
Both teams are hanging on a thin branch and must climb unto a thicker branch.
BUKKYY
3
Anyone Suffering from insomnia? I recommend you watch Arsenal vs Tottenham match
Jeucdmsy
5
Xhaka to Arteta>>> Red card is part of the game otherwise leave me on the bench.