There has been much talk about which Premier League teams dominate the dark arts, but the side that gets the most bookings is neither Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal nor Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Rather, it is Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea who get the most yellow cards.
John Stones opened up a war of words when he implied that Arsenal (2.37) could be considered a ‘dirty’ side after Manchester City (2.72) drew 2-2 with the Gunners, but it is Arsenal’s London rivals – Chelsea – who pick up the most cards in the Premier League.
“It was a difficult afternoon for both teams, how they stop the play, how they use the side of football that not many teams do,” City defender Stones said of Arsenal.
“You can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it, but they break up the game which upsets the rhythm. They use it to their advantage and we dealt with it very well.
“They slow the game down, they get the keeper on the floor so they can get some information onto the pitch. We had to control our emotions during those tough times and I felt like we did. There were a lot of tough tackles and some silly decisions, but we did well.
“I wouldn’t say they have mastered it, but they have done it for a few years now, so we knew to expect that.”
Who Is the True Master of Premier League Dark Arts?
Since his comments, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta have traded barbs over the use of dark arts in football as the title race heats up.
However, Chelsea (20.82) has the most yellow cards in the Premier League (27) this season and also topped the league with 105 in 2023/24.
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest (11.02) are, however, the only teams in the league to have two red cards this season.
For Arsenal, Declan Rice was sent off in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion (151.45), as was Leandro Trossard in the draw with City.
Did Chelsea Get More Yellow Cards Under Mourinho?
However, it is interesting to note that during periods when Chelsea were renowned for supposedly being masters of the dark arts – their years playing under José Mourinho – they did not ever come close to being at the top of the yellow cards table.
Perhaps this could be a sign that indeed, Chelsea under the Portuguese manager was one step ahead of referees.
Maybe, then, Chelsea will need to become more effective at avoiding bookings if they are to return to the top of English soccer.
