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Mikel Arteta makes brutal Jakub Kiwior decision after Arsenal mistake vs Bournemouth

Jakub Kiwior was a first-half substitute vs Bournemouth
-Credit: (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)


Jakub Kiwior was the subject of the dreaded double substitution in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

The Poland international had come on to replace Raheem Sterling in the first half in the wake of William Saliba’s first-half red card. Saliba had hauled down Cherries attacker Evanlison as the last man and VAR deemed it a straight red card offence.

He will now miss the next three domestic games, barring an unlikely successful appeal. It was also a drab night for defending colleague Kiwior.

The 24-year-old came on to make his third Premier League appearance of the season, but will want to quickly forget it. His poor pass back to David Raya was intercepted by Evanlison, who was then felled by the goalkeeper.

Raya escaped being dismissed due to his intention to play the ball. Justin Kluivert stepped up to slot Bournemouth into a two-goal lead from the spot and Kiwior was taken off two minutes later, being replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

Although disappointed to be taken off, Kiwior clapped hands with manager Arteta before taking his place on the bench without an angry response. His 44-minute stint means he has yet to complete an hour’s worth of football in the Premier League this season.

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Kiwior finds himself down the defenders’ pecking order and Saturday night’s events dangle more questions over his long-term future at the club.

His sole start this campaign came in the 7-0 League Cup thrashing of Bolton Wanderers and has otherwise only made four separate appearances. Kiwior’s contract at Arsenal does not expire until 2028.