William Saliba has become the latest Arsenal player to receive a red card this season, following an incident during their clash with Bournemouth.

This marks the third time in just eight games that the Gunners have been reduced to 10 men, adding pressure on the team early in the season.

The Incident Unfolds

The trouble began when Leandro Trossard’s loose back pass left Saliba scrambling to defend against Bournemouth striker Evanilson.

In an attempt to stop the attack, Saliba pulled the forward down, initially receiving a yellow card for the challenge.

However, after a VAR review, referee Rob Jones upgraded it to a red card, much to Arsenal’s dismay.

Jamie Redknapp’s Analysis

Commenting on the situation, Jamie Redknapp expressed his concerns on Sky Sports.

He pointed out that Saliba found himself out of position and without control of the ball:
“As soon as it happened, I thought, William Saliba, you’re in trouble here,” Redknapp said.

“He gets the wrong side and then has to make a desperate move. He’s quick, but he didn’t need to panic. Was it a foul? Absolutely.”

Theo Walcott’s Perspective

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott also weighed in, agreeing with the decision.

Walcott emphasized the importance of such moments when a player is through on goal:
“Now, we’re judging players’ pace and decision-making, but in this case, it’s clear.

It was a goal-scoring opportunity, and the red card is the right call.”

Arsenal’s Early Season Discipline Woes

Saliba’s red card follows two other send-offs Arsenal has suffered this season.

The first came when Declan Rice was sent off during a match against Brighton for delaying a restart, resulting in a 1-1 draw after Arsenal had taken the lead.

Then, Leandro Trossard was controversially dismissed against Manchester City in a game that ended 2-2 after a late equalizer from John Stones.