Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said his team “cannot continue playing with 10 men” following William Saliba’s red card at Bournemouth.
The French centre-back was sent off in the first half against the Cherries and the Gunners lost 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 striker Leandro Trossard in the draw against Manchester Town.
“Playing with 10 men there is always a problem,” said Arteta, whose team has conceded goals in the three games in which they were reduced to ten men.
“The truth is that, when you analyze it, they are three very different actions and the results of them, the reasons are very different.
“Without reference to that, we cannot continue playing with 10 men, particularly at this stage.
“We need to eradicate that, it’s clear. The reasons and how, they don’t matter. We have to focus and it has to happen.”
Since Arteta’s first match as Arsenal manager on December 26, 2019, the Gunners have earned 18 red cards, five more than any other Premier League team in that length.
Saliba will miss the home match against Liverpool on Sunday but may play in Arsenal’s game against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton says Arsenal’s poor discipline could cost them the Premier League title race.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club show, Sutton said: “It is a concern if they want to be considered serious rivals to Manchester City and Liverpool, just because of the fine margins that come with winning or losing a title.
“I felt sorry for Saliba but I thought it was a red card and it was due to Trossard’s pass. It was a big fight to get it back but there was a combination coming and there used to be a purple card and more things ruled out.
“In a title race you can’t afford to give your rivals an advantage.”
