Bournemouth vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and final score as 10-man Gunners suffer defeat
Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal: Saliba was sent off before goals for Ryan Christie and a Justin Kluivert penalty sealed a famous win for the Cherries
Arsenal lost their unbeaten record this season as Bournemouth claimed just their second Premier League victory against the Gunners after William Saliba was sent off.
The centre-back was shown a straight red card for denying an “obvious” goal-scoring opportunity when he brought down Evalison following Leandro Trossard’s back-pass.
It was Arsenal’s third red card this season and Mikel Arteta’s side have now dropped seven points in the games in which they have been reduced to 10 men, following draws against Brighton and Manchester City.
Ryan Christie smashed Bournemouth into the lead with a first-time finish from a clever corner routine, before Justin Kluivert doubled their lead from the penalty spot.
That was self-inflicted, as well, after Jakob Kiwior played a loose ball towards goal and Raya brought down Evalison. It also came moments after Gabriel Martinelli missed a golden opportunity to put the visitors in front.
Arsenal, who were also without both Buakyo Saka and Martin Odegaard in a league game due to injury for the first time since 2021, take on Liverpool at home next week, a game Saliba is now suspended for.
Follow live updates from the Premier League clash below as Bournemouth host Arsenal
HALF TIME! Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
Was Saliba’s red card the correct decision? Speaking on Sky Sports, former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott said it was a red card.
“It is a clear goalscoring opportunity,” he said. “The decision is probably the right one.”
Jamie Redknapp added: “It does meet all those requirements. As soon as I saw it, I thought ‘William Saliba, you’re in trouble here’.
“Trossard makes a big mistake [with the pass]. After he plays the ball, it is panic. It is absolutely a foul.”
HALF TIME! Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
At least Arsenal are experienced at playing with 10 men. There were some last-ditch blocks already towards the end of the first half.
The second half is coming up next.
How many games will Saliba be suspended for?
Denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity means a one-game suspension in the Premier League, like a second yellow.
This will not be able to be served in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Saliba will therefore be suspended for Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday 27 October.
Why was Saliba sent off?
Saliba was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pulled back on Evanilson’s shirt and brought the Brazilian to the ground.
The denial of a goalscoring opportunity is judged by a variety of factors.
The referee would have assessed the distance between the offence and the goal, the general direction of the play, the likelihood of Evanlison keeping or gaining control of the ball, and the location and number of Arsenal defenders.
Although Evanlison was a considerable distance away from goal, he was running towards goal in the centre of the pitch. Ben White was the only other defender back, and he was further to the right, away from the centre.
HALF TIME! Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
A tricky half for Arsenal, but they’ve kept Bournemouth level with 10 men.
Saliba’s red card is the big talking point of the half.
Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
45 mins: Arsenal look like they will get into half time with their clean sheet. Remember how well they defended at Manchester City when down to 10 men.
Partey shoots over as it is announced that there will be three minutes of stoppage time.
Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
39 mins: It feels as if Arsenal are trying to make it into half-time here. Semenyo is a constant threat on this left side.
SAVE! From Semenyo’s cross, Raya spills but the goalkeeper does so well to get up and smother Tavernier’s shot!
Arsenal hanging on.
Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
36 mins: Decent response from Arsenal as Merino drags a shot wide.
But Semenyo then wriggles and works a shooting opportunity of his own, as Raya palms away at his near post.
Arsenal are having to make a change after Saliba’s red card - Sterling is off, and on comes Kiwior.
RED CARD! Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
30 mins: William Saliba SENT OFF for Arsenal.
Incredible. A pitch-side review recommends an upgrade from yellow to red. Arsenal are down to 10 men for the next hour.
It’s Arsenal’s third red card of the season, after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
And Saliba will be suspended for Liverpool at home next week.
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