There are weeks like this where nothing goes, which quickly make you want to move on to the next one. William Saliba was entitled to it. The defender of the France team began his campaign on a very nasty Monday in Brussels. The rock cracked, and not only on the penalty he crudely conceded against Loïs Openda. His excitement did not leave him when he changed his jersey since he received an early red card which precipitated the fall of Arsenal on the Bournemouth pitch (2-0). A good slap.
“We’re shooting ourselves in the foot”
Determined to return to the throne for good this season, the Gunners had the opportunity to mark their territory and regain the lead in the championship among Cherries. On paper, the English vice-champion, undefeated for 16 matches, had all the cards in hand to get rid of Bournemouth, who had until then only beaten the dunce Southampton and the poorly ranked Everton. Until William Saliba’s mix-up at the half-hour mark. Put in difficulty by Evanilson’s call, the number 2 commits the irreparable by hooking the attacker 45 meters from the goal. The mistake seems largely avoidable, especially for a defender with his burst of speed. It will be very expensive.
After VAR appeal, the referee draws the red card. Stunned, Saliba leaves the meadow without flinching. The know-how of Cherries on set pieces will do the rest. For the third time in eight days, Arsenal dropped points. The common denominator? Each time, one of Mikel Arteta’s players saw red. “We shoot ourselves in the foot three times in eight gameslamented Declan Rice, who himself had been excluded during the draw against Brighton, on Sky Sports. We can’t make such stupid mistakes. We need all of our best players on the pitch all the time. »
Naïveté FC
Willim Saliba is undoubtedly one of them given his service record last season. But the former pillar of OM sticks out his tongue. « I’m proud of the players who fought, even with ten, but the naivety… We have to stop making mistakes, it takes 11 players for 90 minutes to win matches »Rice argued. Already on Monday, the French international seemed disoriented, hesitant in his alignment and not punchy enough in his duels. The file is growing since he was also surprised by Omri Gandelman on Israel’s equalizing goal a few days earlier. Before, therefore, receiving the first direct red card of his professional career.
Arsenal are now waiting to know the extent of the score since Manchester City and Liverpool play this Sunday. The bill could also rise even further in the coming weeks. The Premier League schedule will deprive Saliba of three games – and what games: Liverpool at the Emirates, Newcastle at St James’ Park and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. For once, the Frenchman risks having a lot to be forgiven for.
Arsenal fall to Bournemouth
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