'We can't make silly mistakes!' - Declan Rice slams Arsenal team-mates for lack of discipline after William Saliba picks up Gunners' third red card in eight games

Saliba was sent off for the first time in his career on Saturday as the 10 men of Arsenal went down 2-0 against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League. The Frenchman was initially shown a yellow card for tugging back Cherries striker Evanilson as he looked set to run through on goal. However, referee Rob Jones was sent to the monitor by VAR Jared Gillett and then produced a red card for the defender.

The defender became the third Gunners star, after Rice and Leandro Trossard, to be sent off in the club's opening eight Premier League outings of the 2024/25 campaign. Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Rice issued a warning to his colleagues that the team cannot afford to continue to commit 'silly mistakes' on the pitch if they want to remain in the title race.

The English midfielder said, "We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games and we got away with it at home to Brighton and away at Manchester City. Bournemouth kept probing and made it 2-0. I’m proud of the players for fighting, even with 10 men, but the naivety, we need to stop making mistakes because you want 11 players for 90 minutes and that’s what wins you football matches.

"With 10 men we showed a lot of character and personality to stay in the game. The big chance was Martinelli’s and the keeper read it and made a great save and one minute later, normally a routine we are so strong at, has done us."

He added, "We can’t make silly mistakes. You need all your best players on the pitch at all times. The belief is so high and we will stick together. This is football, whatever happens, the most important thing is that you stick together and stay in the right direction."

Mikel Arteta's side will be back in action in midweek as they take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before facing Liverpool next Sunday in a mega Premier League clash.