GUNNERS SET FAIR

Arteta's men keeping it clean in pursuit of glory

- BY NEIL McLEMAN

MIKEL ARTETA claimed he was unaware that Arsenal topped the Fair Play League as well as the Premier League this Christmas.

But a better disciplinary record this season - and avoiding a single red card - will play a huge role in his side’s bid to win a first title since 2004.

Declan Rice was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for nudging the ball away to stop a quick free-kick when Arsenal hosted Brighton last season.

The England midfielder was one of five Arsenal stars to take early baths in the previous campaign, along with Leandro Trossard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and William Saliba.

Belgium star Trossard also received a second caution against Chelsea, also for kicking the ball away, as Arteta had to answer criticism of practising “dark arts’.