James admits Chelsea discipline a problem after latest red card

Chelsea captain Reece James has admitted the club’s disciplinary record is a problem after their latest red card.

Chelsea crashed to defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, losing 2-1 to their London rivals at the Emirates.

Goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber sealed success for Arsenal, either side of an own goal from Piero Hincapie, in a game decided by set pieces.

The Blues’ bid for a result was not helped by Pedro Neto’s red card, just moments after Arsenal had taken a 2-1 lead. The Portuguese winger rashly dived in on Gabriel Martinelli, just three minutes after picking up a first booking.

Pedro Neto’s red card is Chelsea’s NINTH of the season in all competitions pic.twitter.com/ZJIOc6Oriq

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 1, 2026

Neto’s red card was Chelsea’s ninth of the campaign across all competitions and James has admitted the club’s ill-discipline is a problem.

“It’s disappointing to walk away empty handed. When it was 1-1 we had a half chance to make it 2-1, their goalie made a good save, they got a set-piece and manage to score,” James said speaking to Sky Sports.

“We’ve spoken about it (Chelsea’s red card record), it’s come up a number of times, every time it’s someone different, not the same player. Internally we need to review and keep improving.

It’s a problem, we are playing in the toughest league in the world, you play against top or bottom 11 v 11 it’s tough, 11 v 10 is even harder no matter who you are playing.

“I have no doubt in the team and staff, it didn’t go our way today but we need to regroup and go again.”

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