Advertisement

William Saliba handed clear Arsenal red card verdict vs Bournemouth as Ben White point made

William Saliba in action for Arsenal.
-Credit: (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)


William Saliba has been sent a clear message by Alan Shearer following his sending off in the surprise 2-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday evening. The Gunners suffered their first defeat of the season - at the Vitality Stadium - with Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert both on target in the second half.

Mikel Arteta's side started the game well but proceedings twisted dramatically when Saliba was shown a straight red card in the 30th minute for dragging Evanilson to the floor, as the last man following a stray pass from Leandro Trossard. As a result of his dismissal, he will be suspended for the huge title clash at home to Liverpool next Sunday.

However, before that, Arsenal had to contend a clash against the Cherries with a man disadvantage and ultimately paid the price for key mistakes. Gabriel Martinelli squandered a huge chance just moments before Christie smashed in the opener following a smart corner routine.

David Raya then conceded a penalty late on after an under-hit pass by Jakub Kiwior was intercepted by Evanilson with Kluivert making sure of the points from 12 yards. On social media, during and in the wake of the match, plenty have delivered their verdicts with Shearer among those to provide his thoughts.

READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth as Saliba, Trossard and Raya errors costly

READ MORE: Saka plan ruined by familiar Arsenal trait as Arteta call backfires at Bournemouth

"It was definitely the right decision," he said on BBC's Match of the Day. "They got there in the end. There was no need to foul him as there's so much more [for Evanilson] to do. There's no way White is getting back.

"There's no doubt about it. It's a clear red card."

Saliba's red card was the third dished out to Arsenal already this season - with the ex-Newcastle striker making it clear this trend can't continue. "It has to change, he added: "They're quite clearly not going to get enough points if that doesn't change.

"In the games that it has happened in already this season. They've had two draws and now a defeat, so that can't continue to happen."