Mikel Arteta expresses concern over the potential suspension of a key Arsenal player due to disciplinary issues ahead of tomorrow’s match against Brighton.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed surprise at Kai Havertz’s eighth yellow card of the season during their recent 2-0 victory against Luton, a win that pushed Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League standings with an impressive 28 points out of 30 in 2024. The caution drew attention despite the team’s success, as it marked Havertz’s 11th of the season, bringing him closer to a two-match suspension threshold. The match at the Emirates Stadium saw Martin Odegaard score with an assist from Havertz, followed by an own goal from Luton’s Daiki Hashioka.

Arteta addressed the issue in the post-match press conference, emphasizing the need for caution and the potential repercussions of further bookings. He acknowledged the significance of avoiding additional cautions, particularly with the looming threat of suspension. Responding to inquiries about Havertz’s disciplinary record, Arteta admitted his surprise, given Havertz’s pivotal role in the team, and stressed the importance of upholding disciplinary standards to avoid disruptions due to suspensions.

Havertz, a crucial player for Arsenal this season, has missed only one game due to suspension, resulting in a 2-0 defeat against West Ham. Despite disciplinary concerns, Havertz has been instrumental in Arsenal’s recent successes, contributing crucial goals and assists in key matches. While the focus remains on Arsenal’s title aspirations, Arteta emphasized the significance of maintaining consistency and quality as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Brighton.

Arteta remarked, “Yeah, we have to be careful. Hopefully, he won’t get booked again because we know what happens with the 10th.” He concluded by highlighting their current position, stating, “For sure, that means that we are there, that we are really close. We are showing a lot of consistency and quality to be able to be fighting in the positions that we are in right now. And now that’s it – sleep, eat, prepare well and now it’s Brighton.”