Arsenal’s new penchant for picking up red cards had to catch up with them eventually. Mikel Arteta’s side finally surrendered their unbeaten start to the season after William Saliba was sent off – their third dismissal in their opening eight league matches – as Bournemouth celebrated a famous victory thanks to goals from substitutes Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert.
It was an evening to savour for their manager, Andoni Iraola, who saw his enterprising team record their first win over a side in the top half of the table since beating Manchester United here in December. For it to come against Arteta – who grew up playing for the same youth team in San Sebastian – made it particularly sweet. But with Bukayo Saka having not made the trip to the south coast, Arsenal – who missed the chance to go top of the table with Liverpool and Manchester City not in action until Sunday – had looked short of inspiration even before Saliba’s red card swung the balance of the game and they were condemned to a first away defeat of 2024.
