Bournemouth defeated Mikel Arteta’s team 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium, and William Saliba received Arsenal’s third red card of the Premier League season.
Halfway through the half, Leandro Trossard misdirected a back pass to Evanilson, who was in on goal. The Frenchman was sent off.
Andoni Iraola’s team did not make the extra man count until the 70th minute, when Ryan Christie, a substitute, completed a brilliant corner routine with aplomb.
After Jakub Kiwior’s poorly hit ball was returned to the goalkeeper, David Raya brought down Evanilson in the area, causing more problems for the visiting team.
Justin Kluivert, another of Iraola’s replacements, doubled The Cherries’ lead with a cool spot kick conversion that sent Raya the wrong way.
As a result, Arsenal’s perfect start to the season comes to an end. They missed an opportunity to take the lead and now sit in third place.
After winning their first game against The Gunners since January 2018, Bournemouth moved up to 10th place, snapping a nine-game losing streak to the north London team.
Arteta’s team had a dismal evening as they did not do much in the absence of Bukayo Saka, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, even before Saliba was fired.
Their best opportunity came just before Bournemouth’s first goal, when Kepa’s careless pass gave Gabriel Martinelli a chance, but the former Chelsea goalie made up for it by diving to make a great save.
Raya gave Bournemouth their best opportunity of the first half when he spilt a cross, but he recovered well to keep out Alex Scott’s rebound. Raya appeared unusually hesitant.
Arsenal’s third red card of the season comes from Sailba. Prior to Trossard’s dismissal at Manchester City, Declan Rice received his second yellow card at home against Brighton for kicking the ball away.
Arsenal now sits one point behind leaders Liverpool, who play on Sunday, and level with Man City on the scoreboard.
With Saliba currently suspended and captain Martin Odegaard still out due to a persistent ankle injury, Arteta will be counting on Saka to be fit for Liverpool’s visit the following weekend.
Next weekend, Bournemouth will travel to Aston Villa before hosting Man City a week later. They will be looking to build on this performance and result.
Published by Caleb Ejoh
