Arsenal’s title chances took a huge blow as they suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth.
Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert secured all three points for the Cherries.
Earlier in the game William Saliba was shown a red card during Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth.
The French defender was initially shown a yellow card by referee Rob Jones, but it was later upgraded to a red card after a review by VAR.
MORE HERE: 🚨 Arsenal fans all slam one player in particular following defeat to Bournemouth
William Saliba has been sent off following a VAR review 🟥 pic.twitter.com/z20aHFFA7i
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2024
The Premier League have now explained their rationale behind the decision via their match centre social media account
The statement read: “The referee gave Saliba a yellow card for a challenge on Evanilson.
“The VAR deemed that Saliba denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”
After Saturday’s defeat, Declan Rice 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.
‘With 10 men we showed a lot of character and personality to stay in the game. The big chance was (Gabriel) 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.
‘We can’t make silly mistakes. You need all your best players on the pitch at all times.’
Was the decision correct? Let us know in the comments.
