Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Arsenal must address their issue with red cards, as they are negatively impacting the team’s performance.
William Saliba, who was sent off in the first half against Bournemouth last Saturday, became the third Arsenal player to receive a red card in the club’s first eight Premier League matches of the 2024-25 season, following Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
After the match, Rice expressed his frustration over Saliba’s dismissal, and manager Arteta has now weighed in on the matter.
The Spanish coach urged his players to stay calm on the pitch and avoid unnecessary red cards, warning that such discipline lapses could jeopardize their title aspirations in the long run.
Arteta also mentioned that the club may consider appealing Saliba’s red card.
In the meantime, the France international is suspended for their upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool next Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, the 42-year-old said, “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.
“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.”
When asked if they would appeal Saliba’s red card, the manager added, “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.”
The North London side will return to action midweek, facing Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League clash at home on Tuesday.
This match presents an opportunity for them to solidify their position in the group stage.
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