Bournemouth beat Arsenal 2-0 last weekend to end their unbeaten streak this season.
The Gunners suffered their first defeat of the campaign, and their first away loss of 2024 at the Vitality Stadium. Arsenal fans complained after the game after a controversial incident in the first half.
William Saliba brought down Evanilson who was through on goal. The referee initially gave a yellow card, but VAR directed him to the monitor after which he gave Saliba a straight red.
Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert sealed all three points for the Cherries. Last Saturday was the third Premier League game that Arsenal had a man sent off. After the game, Thomas Partey urged his teammates to keep their heads so that they can win games with 11 men.
Chris Sutton thinks Arsenal are feeling the costs of competing in Europe
UEFA Champions League, League Stage Arsenal v FC Shakhtar Donetsk Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal leaves the field injured during the UEFA Champions League, League Stage Arsenal vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom, 22nd October 2024 Photo by Izzy Poles/News Images London Emirates Stadium Greater London United Kingdom Copyright: xIzzyxPoles/NewsxImagesx
The gunners picked up three points midweek against Shakhtar and have seven points in the Champions League. However, Riccardo Calafiori is the latest Arsenal player to add to the injury list.
Chris Sutton said the injury is just another cost to competing in multiple competitions:
“Gabriel Jesus does so many good things within the game but his finishing has let him down for a number of seasons now.
“But it is still a really positive result. They have had a good start to their Champions League campaign, but I suppose the question is at what cost?
“Calafiori had that awkward fall and Arteta decided to bring him off. He will be a massive miss and with William Saliba suspended, that will be a worry going into the game at the weekend.
“It is such an intense period and they are missing key players in different parts of the pitch.”
Arsenal’s next game is against Liverpool in the Premier League. The gunners are four points behind the Reds and will be hoping to close the gap on Sunday.
Before Tuesday’s game, Mikel Merino revealed that Mikel Arteta urged the team to focus on winning, after the shock loss to Bournemouth.
