Arsenal expected naivety against Bournemouth, says Declan Rice | arsenal

Declan Rice said Arsenal's “naivety” cost them dearly as they suffered their first defeat of the season against Bournemouth following William Saliba's sending off.

Arsenal had won 10 of their 12 previous away Premier League games before their visit to the south coast in 2024, but were undone by two second-half goals from Bournemouth substitutes Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert. Saliba was initially shown a yellow card for bringing down Evanilson before it was upgraded to red by VAR. Television footage showed PGMOL boss Howard Webb listening through an earpiece at the Vitality Stadium as the VAR made the decision, although he is believed to have only heard the match officials' communications.

Saliba will miss next weekend's clash with leaders Liverpool at the Emirates after the French defender became the third Arsenal player to be sent off in the first eight league games of the new season.

“We kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games, getting away with it at home to Brighton and away to Manchester City,” Rice said.

“I'm proud of the players who fight, even with 10 men, but the naivety… We have to stop making mistakes because you want to have 11 players for 90 minutes and that's what wins you in the game of football .” With 10 men we showed a lot of character and personality to stay in the game. We can't make stupid mistakes. You need all of your best players on the pitch at all times. Faith is so great and we will stick together. This is football. Whatever happens, the most important thing is to stick together and move in the right direction.”

Mikel Arteta admitted his side need to improve their discipline if they want to challenge for the title again.

“It was an accident waiting to happen not to get the points,” said the Arsenal coach. “We have to blame ourselves – football is a sport where mistakes are a given and unfortunately two big mistakes cost us.” But of course we have to play 11 against 11 if we want to be in the position we want to be .”

Arsenal face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday before facing Liverpool on Sunday. Arteta – who was without the injured Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard against Bournemouth – insisted they must quickly recover from the disappointment to get their season back on track.

“Using the pain we feel right now for Tuesday is the way to go,” he said. “I don't feel sorry for myself – 'Oh, it's happened again.'” “It's happened three times in eight games.” “We're missing our captain and one of our best players and Jurrien (Timber).” That's not going to get us anywhere. Leave the energy. These guys deserve it because of the way they try and the way they want to do it. Go back on Tuesday and that’s it.”