Arsenal must learn from their mistakes and keep a cool head against Chelsea on Saturday to avoid having a player sent off again, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has said.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates hoping to end a dreadful streak against their London rivals. The Gunners have not beaten Chelsea in the league since 2011, haven't even scored against the Blues since 2013 and have often self-destructed in recent derbies.
Arsenal had a player sent off in the first half in both their meetings last season, and also in the 6-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge in Arsene Wenger's 1,000th game in charge of the club in 2014.
"It'd be nice to keep 11 men on the pitch against Chelsea this time round," Oxlade-Chamberlain told the Arsenal website. "I know it sounds funny but generally speaking in the last few games against them, it's always a big clash with a lot of emotions and maybe some mind games.
"First and foremost, it's a massive game and we just need to keep our discipline and stay in the game. I'd back this team to be able to beat anyone in the league on our day."
A victory on Saturday would build on Arsenal's recent momentum after three straight league victories and go a long way toward strengthening their title credentials. But another disappointing performance against a Chelsea side that have become Wenger's bogey team is likely to fuel further frustration among fans.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to start on Saturday after playing in the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. But the midfielder urged the home crowd to help the team end their Chelsea hoodoo by staying behind them even if they fall behind.
"You know, if you go a goal up and the crowd starts getting right behind you it can push you on," he said. "At the same time, sometimes you might end up going a goal down and the crowd can show their frustration and you can't let that affect you too much because you've got to focus on getting the right result and keep plugging away.
"The crowd will be massive and I'm sure the atmosphere will be great. It always is for the big games and we've got to use that to our advantage. We need to get the right result so everyone leaving the Emirates happy."