Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal’s defensive discipline is a growing concern, as William Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth was the third time this season that the Gunners have been reduced to ten men.
Arsenal, who had been unbeaten until this defeat, have struggled to secure points in games where they’ve faced numerical disadvantages.
Arsenal’s Troubles Intensify with Saliba’s Dismissal
Saliba’s red card, after a VAR review, left Arsenal exposed, and Bournemouth took full advantage with two second-half goals.
It is the latest sending off following Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton and Leandro Trossard’s dismissal at Manchester City. Arsenal dropped vital points in all three matches.
Arteta acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s not possible to play with 10 men anymore.” It becomes almost impossible. We need to eradicate that.” he said as quoted by Mirror.
Speaking specifically on Saliba’s red card, he added, “It’s a split second decision.” The striker is on his back. He obviously doesn’t expect the ball to be suddenly coming to him. “It’s just he made a decision, and that’s it.”
William Saliba will miss one game, which be against Liverpool in the Premier League next weekend. He was penalized for halting an attack, and his punishment will be a one game suspension.
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Mikel Arteta calls for improvement in discipline.
Saliba’s case was different though, as he was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, something Arteta has previously been frustrated by, particularly with Rice and Trossard.
Arteta said the decision was made in the heat of the moment but insisted his players need to be more careful to ensure they don’t get sent off when they don’t need to.
If Arsenal’s discipline issues continue, their title ambitions could be in danger, and Arteta’s admission shows how quickly this needs to be resolved because it threatens to derail their promising start to the season.
