Jamie Carragher spots Arsenal issue that 'has to stop' in title race with Liverpool and Man City

Jamie Carragher believes in the Premier League title race with Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Gunners picked up their third red card of the season on Saturday in just their eighth league game, with . The Frenchman’s dismissal proved costly, with Mikel Arteta’s side falling to a 2-0 defeat – their first loss of the season.

It also means Saliba will be missing for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday, which could prove to be a pivotal game in the race for this season’s title. against the decision though, .

Regardless of whether their appeal is successful or not, Arsenal’s disciplinary issues have proven a problem this season. They’ve failed to win any of the three games so far in which they have gone down to 10 men, dropping seven points in the process.

It’s far from a new problem either. As per , since Arteta took charge in December 2019, Arsenal has picked up 18 red cards – five more than anyone else in the same period. Liverpool has picked up just six in that time, while City have been shown nine reds.

Giving his thoughts on the Gunners’ disciplinary record, said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: "The biggest problem isn't the points, it's how often they are getting red cards. It has got to stop.

“You are talking about a team in Manchester City, where you can't afford to let them get away. If you are getting red cards, you aren't going to pull that back.

"Liverpool and City have won games in the same situation. You have to ask if the setup is right in those games."

Having lost at Bournemouth, Arsenal now finds itself four points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s meeting, and three behind City. side will therefore have the chance to move seven points clear of the Gunners when they head to the Emirates this weekend.

Not only is Saliba set to be missing through suspension, but Arteta also has ahead of their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. Martin Odegaard will be missing once again, having picked up an ankle injury while on international duty.