Declan Rice Criticizes Arsenal’s Slip Standards After Loss To Bournemouth

Arsenal midfielder,  Declan Rice, said they must stop the red cards after defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday.

William Saliba was sent off after 30 minutes for denying striker Evanilson a clear run on goal as the visitors finished with 10 men for the third time this term.

Rice later 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.”

Ryan Christie’s strike 20 minutes from time and a late Justin Kluivert penalty meant Mikel Arteta’s team missed the chance to go top of the table.

“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.

“It’s three times in eight games now we’ve let our standards slip,” said Rice. “If we want to compete at the top we can’t let that happen.

“The reaction we showed to that, the belief we showed that we could go and win the game and the chances that we had, I’m proud of these boys and proud of the mentality that they show.

“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.”

Saliba was initially shown a yellow card by referee Robert Jones for dragging down Evanilson near the center circle, but after a pitch-side review, the punishment was upgraded, meaning the defender will miss his side’s next match against Liverpool.

“This is football, whatever happens, the most important thing is that you stick together and stay in the right direction.”