Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said his team “cannot continue to play with 10 men” in the wake of William Saliba’s red card at Bournemouth.
The France centre-back was sent off in the first half against the Cherries and the Gunners went on to lose 2-0 – their first defeat of the Premier League campaign.
He is the third Arsenal player to be sent off this season following the dismissals of midfielder Declan Rice against Brighton and forward Leandro Trossard in the draw at Manchester City.
“Playing with 10 men, always there is an issue,” said Arteta, whose side have conceded goals in all three games in which they have been reduced to 10 men.
“The truth is, when you analyse it, three very different actions and the outcome of them, the reasons are very different.
“Regardless of that we cannot continue to play with 10 men, especially at this level.
“We need to eradicate that, it’s clear. The reasons and how – it doesn’t matter. We have to focus and it has to happen.”
Since Arteta’s first game as Arsenal manager on 26 December 2019 the Gunners have received 18 red cards – five more than any other Premier League team in that period.
Saliba will miss the match at home against Liverpool on Sunday but can play in Arsenal’s game against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton says Arsenal’s ill-discipline could cost them in the Premier League title race.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, Sutton said: “It is a concern if they want to be regarded as serious challengers to Manchester City and Liverpool, just by the fine margins which come with winning or losing a title.
“I felt for Saliba but I did think it was a red card and it was down to Trossard’s pass. It was an honest attempt to get back but there was a coming together and it was a red card and more dropped points.
“In a title race you cannot afford to give your rivals a leg up.”
