It’s A Game Of Errors Tonight – Says Mikel Arteta

A third sending-off in eight games proved too much for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as they fell to their first defeat of the season, losing 2-0 away to Bournemouth to leave the coach frustrated over his side’s costly mistakes.

Defender William Saliba received a red card in the 30th minute for fouling Bournemouth striker Evanilson and denying a clear goal-scoring chance.

While Arsenal weathered the storm of previous sendings-off to grab draws against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City, this time they came up short.

“After 30 minutes, you get down to 10 men; you have to play 67, 68 minutes in this league again with 10 men. That’s an accident waiting to happen,” Arteta told Sky Sports.

“It’s a game of errors for me tonight, we made two big ones that have cost us a game. And yeah, it’s the third time we play in games with 10 men, and at this level, it’s very complicated.”

Following a promising beginning for the visitors, Bournemouth capitalized on their advantage, controlling much of the game and allowing minimal chances.

A goal from Ryan Christie and a penalty by Justin Kluivert secured the victory.

Arteta gave credit to the hosts for their victory but felt that his side had to bear their fair share of the blame for the errors they made.

“They (mistakes) are part of football, and it’s not the moment to point the finger at anybody because (the players’) attitude is excellent, and they want (to win), and they try,” the Spanish coach explained.

“It’s been tough mentally as well to play for those long periods in this league, in these conditions, but today, unfortunately, we paid the price.”