Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said William Saliba’s red card ensured they had an impossible task against Bournemouth.
The Gunners lost 2-0 to Bournemouth after going down to 10 men in the first half.
Saliba was sent off for a last-man tackle following a poor back pass from Leandro Trossard.
Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert scored in the second half to seal the win for the hosts.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said:
“We are obviously very disappointed with the result and gutted because we have to play another game in that context. With 10 men for 60, 65 minutes at this level, it’s just impossible.
On the red card, he added:
“It was a decision made on the pitch. That decision was changed. Now I don’t think the decision is going to change again. So, decision made.
“Willy has never done anything like this but he doesn’t do it on purpose. It happens. We have to accept it, move on, and have that pain we are feeling for Tuesday [against Shakhtar Donestsk].”
