In the short term, Arsenal’s original dismissal is just a stone’s throw away because Saliba will miss the home game against Premier League leaders Liverpool on October 27.
The Gunners are currently one point behind the Reds in the table but need Arne Slot’s side to beat Chelsea on Sunday and after beating Arsenal would move within seven of Arteta’s side.
Champions Manchester Town could also overtake Arsenal, their closest rivals over the past two seasons, with wins over winless clubs Wolves and Southampton among the two closest.
“Playing 65 minutes with 10 men at this level is an impossible task. It is an accident waiting to happen so as not to score the points,” Arteta said.
On his team’s disciplinary issues, the Spaniard added: “There are things we have discussed in relation to certain issues. We certainly need to play with 11 if we want to be in the position we want to be in.
“I thought what we did with 10 men was pretty impressive.”
Like the red cards shown this season to Trossard against Manchester City and Rice at Brighton for delaying the restart, Saliba’s sending off was avoidable, and Trossard’s clumsy pass created a situation from which his team-mate could not recover. .
Midfielder Rice said he was “proud” of his teammates for the fight they showed but regretted the “naivety” that ultimately values them.
“We’ve kicked each other’s bases three times in eight games,” he said.
“We won’t make any silly mistakes. You want to have all your best players on sound at all times. The bottom line is great and we’ll be able to hold it together.”
