BOURNEMOUTH — Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season was shattered on Saturday evening as the Gunners suffered a chastening 2–0 loss to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, following a catastrophic first-half red card shown to William Saliba.
The turning point arrived in the 30th minute. Following an under-hit backpass from Leandro Trossard, Saliba was caught on the wrong side of Bournemouth striker Evanilson. As both chased the loose ball towards the halfway line, Saliba tangled legs with the Brazilian.
Referee Robert Jones initially brandished a yellow card, but after being summoned to the pitchside monitor by VAR Jarred Gillett, Jones upgraded the sanction to a straight red card for denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO).
Down to 10 men for over an hour, Arsenal fought tenaciously but ultimately succumbed in the 70th minute to a brilliantly rehearsed corner routine finished by substitute Ryan Christie. Nine minutes later, Bournemouth doubled their advantage when Justin Kluivert converted a penalty after goalkeeper David Raya brought down Evanilson in the area.
The red card carries severe disciplinary ramifications: Saliba will serve a mandatory suspension and will miss Arsenal’s titanic title-clash against Liverpool next weekend at the Emirates Stadium.
"Playing for 65 minutes with 10 men in the Premier League is virtually an impossible task," a somber Mikel Arteta said post-match. "We made two decisive errors that cost us the game. We have to accept the pain, lick our wounds, and respond like champions."
With Manchester City and Liverpool in action on Sunday, Arsenal risk slipping four points adrift of the league summit.