Red cards for Arsenal: Mikel Arteta on playing with 10 men

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his team “cannot continue playing with ten men” after William Saliba’s red card at Bournemouth.

The French centre-back was sent off in the first half against the Cherries and the Gunners subsequently lost 2-0 – their first defeat of the Premier League season.

He is the third Arsenal player to be sent off this season after midfielder Declan Rice was dismissed against Brighton and striker Leandro Trossard was dismissed in the draw at Manchester City.

“Playing with 10 men is always a problem,” said Arteta, whose side conceded goals in all three games in which they were reduced to 10 men.

“The truth is, if you analyze three very different actions and their results, the reasons are very different.”

“Regardless, we cannot continue to play with 10 men, especially at this level.”

“We have to eliminate this, that’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 December 26, 2019, the Gunners have received 18 red cards – five more than any other Premier League team in that period.

Saliba will miss Sunday’s home game against Liverpool 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 lack of discipline could cost them in the Premier League title race.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, Sutton said: “It’s worrying if they want to be seen as serious challengers to Manchester City and Liverpool, simply because of the close margins that come with winning or losing a title.”

“I felt bad for Saliba but I thought it was a red card and that it was because of Trossard’s pass. It was an honest attempt to come back but there was an agreement and there was a red card and more points lost.”

“In a title race you can’t afford to get ahead of your rivals.”