Theo Walcott shares honest verdict of William Saliba red card after Arsenal loss vs Bournemouth

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Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the new Premier League season came to an end with a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

Whilst Arsenal looked below-par from the off, the game changed on the half-hour mark when William Saliba was shown a red card. 

Saliba was dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The French centre-back tugged back Bournemouth striker Evanilson as he sought to take advantage of a one-on-one situation up against David Raya. 

Referee Robert Jones initially only showed the Arsenal defender a yellow card, but a VAR review prompted the official to upgrade his disciplinary measure to a red card. Mikel Arteta’s side have now been reduced to ten men three time this season, and have failed to win any of those matches.

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Theo Walcott reacts to William Saliba red card in Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott gave his thoughts on Saliba’s dismissal during his half-time analysis of this match. 

Speaking on Sky Sports (19/10/2024, 18:28), he said: “It’s an absolute foul. Completely… Any professional footballer now, clean through on goal, it’s a clear goalscoring opportunity. I think it’s probably the right decision.”

This certainly isn’t a red card that the Gunners can have too many complaints about. However, the club’s disciplinary record will certainly be a cause for concern.

Arteta has already had to deal with far too many suspensions this season. Now, Arsenal will be without Saliba against Liverpool next time out in the Premier League. The 23-year-old is a talismanic presence at the back for the North London club and will be a huge miss against the Reds.

Lack of Arsenal discipline a problem for Mikel Arteta

Not only did Saliba get sent off against the Cherries, but Raya also conceded a penalty, and Ben White will have angered Arteta by picking up a booking for time wasting. 

In the wake of this loss, there needs to be a frank recognition and acceptance within the Arsenal dressing room that something needs to change. As things stand, the Gunners could see their entire campaign derailed by their poor discipline. 

Arteta must address this problem as a matter of urgency, and also needs to concoct a plan for how his side will now cope without Saliba for a short spell.