Arsenal are considered by many to be one of the top contenders for the Premier League title as the early portion of the 2024/25 season plays out.However, their disciplinary record has let them down on a number of occasions through the first eight matches and that glaring issue has reared its head once again in a seismic 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

William Saliba’s red card for Arsenal against Bournemouth is bound to go down as one of the most controversial refereeing decisions of the season. Saliba tugged back Cherries striker Evanilson when a loose pass from Leandro Trossard appeared bound to have set him free on goal.

A brilliantly-worked goal by Ryan Christie and a Justin Kluivert penalty gave Bournemouth a shock 2-0 Premier League win at home to 10-man Arsenal on Saturday, with Gunners defender William Saliba shown a straight red card in the first half.

Breaking down the moment when French defender was dismissed for a professional foul - and what was said about it

William Saliba was sent off as Bournemouth dealt Arsenal a first defeat in the Premier League this season. The defender was dismissed for hauling down striker Evanilson near the halfway line, denying him a clear run on goal as for the third time this season the visitors finished a league game with 10 men.

Bournemouth striker Evanilson had a step on William Saliba, who pulled back the Brazilian ever so slightly and clipped his heels as he cut across the back of him to take him down. The referee initially gave Saliba a yellow card for the foul,

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said William Saliba’s red card ensured they had an impossible task against Bournemouth. The Gunners lost 2-0 to Bournemouth after going down to 10 men in the first half.

Saliba was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pulled back on Evanilson’s shirt and brought the Brazilian to the ground. The denial of a goalscoring opportunity is judged by a variety of factors.