“We need to eradicate that“ - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sends strong message to squad following William Saliba red card controversy
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a strong message to his players following their 0-2 defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, October 19. Centre-back William Saliba got sent off in the first half, which forced the Gunners to play with 10 men for the majority of the game.
Saliba's red card forced Arteta to take Rahim Sterling off. In turn, defender Jakub Kiwior was asked to come on in the 37th minute to add shape to their backline. The Cherries tore into the visitors in the second half and bagged two goals thanks to Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert, son of former Barcelona legend Patrick.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta has mentioned that this habit of accruing red cards is proving to be a problem for Arsenal. Saliba was the third Gunner this season to be sent off in the Premier League after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard. The Spanish manager has asked for this bad habit to stop.
"Playing with ten men always is an issue. The truth is, when you analyse it, three different actions and the outcome of them, the reasons are very different. Regardless of that, we cannot continue to play with ten men at this level," said Arteta, as per GOAL.
"We need to eradicate that, it's clear. The reasons, how - it doesn't matter. We have to focus. We cannot continue to play with ten men, easier to say it than to get it done. Specific moments. Reacting, we have a defeat. Very specific conditions as well. Let's move on, take that pain we have and use it tomorrow night," he added.
Arteta also mentioned that Arsenal are considering appealing Saliba's red card decision.
"I leave that one to the club to understand the circumstances. The examples that are very clear in the same position and they will have to decide," he said.
Arsenal next host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League
Arsenal are ranked in the third position of the EPL table at the moment with 17 points to their name. Challengers Manchester City and Liverpool both surged ahead of them with wins over the weekend.
The Gunners are next in action at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, October 22 when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League encounter. Arteta will hope that his side can regroup well by then.