Arsenal's Premier League title bid took a hit on Saturday as they were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth, with William Saliba becoming the third Gunners star to be sent off this season

On Saturday, William Saliba became the third Gunners player to be sent off this season, with the French defender receiving a straight red card for cynically dragging Bournemouth's Evanlison down as the last man. With a one-man disadvantage, Arteta's team eventually lost their grip on the match, allowing the Cherries to secure a 2-0 victory.

It was Arsenal's first Premier League defeat of the 2024/25 season - a campaign which, thus far, has been marred by costly dismissals. Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton in August while Leandro Trossard was given his marching orders against Manchester City last month, and on both occasions, Arsenal dropped points.

It highlights the ongoing lack of discipline within Arsenal's ranks, a theme that's been prevalent throughout Arteta's reign. Since the Spaniard took the helm on Boxing Day 2019, the Gunners have received 18 red cards in the Premier League, five more than any other side.

Arsenal must tackle their discipline issues if they hope to end the two-decade drought without a Premier League title. Over the past 10 years, the only title-winning team to have picked up more than two red cards in a season is Leicester City, who snagged three in 2015/16.

Moreover, Pep Guardiola's City have received more than two reds in a season just twice during his eight-year reign, and on both occasions, they failed to win the league. On Match of the Day, Alan Shearer pulled no punches when reflecting on Arsenal's tendency towards on-pitch indiscipline. "Quite clearly, they're not going to get enough points if nothing changes," he said. "It can't continue".

Arsenal's players have often got in trouble with referees since Mikel Arteta took over ( Image:

Looking ahead, up next for Arsenal is a Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday before a heavyweight tie with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Sadly for the Gunners, key man Saliba will be absent in the latter due to the one-game ban he picked up against Bournemouth.

The Gunners, currently sitting third in the Premier League, are now trailing table-toppers Liverpool by four points. City, meanwhile, are a point behind Arne Slot's Reds in second.