ARSENAL and Everton top the Premier League’s red card tally, reflecting their commitment to players who thrive in physical encounters.

Since the Premier League’s launch in 1992, Everton has accumulated 108 red cards, closely followed by Arsenal with 107, which includes three this season — an astonishing 14 more than Newcastle, who are in third.

Mark Halsey was not on Sol Campbell's Christmas card list after sending him off a few times

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Mark Halsey was not on Sol Campbell’s Christmas card list after sending him off a few timesCredit: AFP
Arsenal and Everton have received the most red cards in Prem history

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Arsenal and Everton have received the most red cards in Prem historyCredit: Rex

Supporters at Goodison Park revel in dynamic and hard-hitting games filled with thrill.

Historically, they’ve applied pressure on rivals and referees alike — though my time at Everton had a different tone — emphasizing the significance of a formidable atmosphere.

While matches between Arsenal and Everton haven’t typically been tedious encounters, I officiated a notable game in 2003 where I issued TWO red cards — to Sol Campbell and Li Tie — at Highbury.

This marked the second time I had to send Sol off within a five-month span.

The first instance occurred during a crucial title match against Manchester United in April of the 2002-03 season, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Sol swung his arm back right in front of my assistant Nigel Miller, who confirmed the contact to be intentional.

Despite his protests regarding the sending-off, his appeal was denied.

Arsene Wenger’s assistant Pat Rice and Sol came to the Highbury dressing room after the match, but I stood firm on my observation of a deliberate elbow. We respectfully disagreed.

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As a consequence, Sol was suspended for the 2003 FA Cup final due to a four-match ban.

His absence didn’t alter Wenger’s team’s fortunes, as they triumphed 1-0 over Southampton in Cardiff, even as United grabbed the league title.

Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH receives a mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans declare ‘this is just tragic… the game’s gone’

I officiated the Arsenal-Everton match at Highbury during the opening day of the following season — a game the Gunners claimed as Invincibles — where I once again sent off Sol.

This occurred as he was under investigation by the FA for kicking Eric Djemba-Djemba of Manchester United during the Community Shield.

During the match, I noted we couldn’t get through it without exchanging words… he remained silent.

After 25 minutes, Everton’s Thomas Gravesen was on a clear path to goal when Sol fouled him, clearly denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

Anticipating the red card, he exited quietly — no dialogue shared that day. It’s safe to say I wasn’t receiving any Christmas cards from him that year.

I also issued a second yellow to Li Tie later in the game. This was one of only three Premier League matches between these clubs where two players were sent off.

Mikel Arteta was a 'moaner' back in his playing days

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Mikel Arteta was a ‘moaner’ back in his playing daysCredit: AP:Associated Press
David Moyes has always wanted his sides to be physical

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David Moyes has always wanted his sides to be physicalCredit: Reuters

Patrick Vieira and Duncan Ferguson are both among the top three players in red card history for both clubs, each garnering eight.

Patrick was challenging to officiate due to his aggressive tackling technique.

Big Dunc exemplified the classic No. 9, taking and delivering hits with equal fervor. Constant dialogue was crucial to keep him in line.

Managers like David Moyes, with whom I shared a strong rapport, valued the physicality showcased by players like Big Dunc.

There was a game where I dismissed Toffees defender Joseph Yobo in a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle, preceding Alan Shearer’s memorable goal.

A few days later, David called to express that my decision on Yobo was warranted.

He sought to create an intimidating environment for adversaries at Everton, effectively achieving that goal.

Officiating there demanded unwavering focus — the atmosphere was relentless.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a former player under Moyes, was notorious for his on-field grievances, yet I enjoyed a strong relationship with him.

Some argue that numerous red cards Arsenal has received under Mikel were contentious, although the manager’s intensity certainly affects his players.

The current Gunners squad’s physical style mirrors that of both Moyes’ Everton teams and the Arsenal side from 2003 that included Campbell.

How to stop Arsenal at corners

Arsenal has become a formidable threat in scoring from set pieces.

Since last season, they’ve netted 22 goals from corners — seven more than closest rival Manchester City and eight ahead of league leaders Liverpool.

In a crucial victory against Manchester United, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba struck in the second half due to fantastic deliveries from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, each contributing seven assists from set pieces since the start of the 2023/24 season — the highest in the league.

Manchester United icon Dimitar Berbatov humorously noted that Arsenal has become the new Stoke City in the league — a team that, under Tony Pulis, excelled at set pieces against bigger rivals.

Here are four methods to counter Arteta’s side at corners