Home Football ‘WE CAN’T MAKE SILLY MISTAKES!’ – Declan Rice slams Arsenal team-mates for lack of discipline after William Saliba picks up Gunners’ third red card in eight games

‘WE CAN’T MAKE SILLY MISTAKES!’ – Declan Rice slams Arsenal team-mates for lack of discipline after William Saliba picks up Gunners’ third red card in eight games

Football — 10/21/2024

William Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth infuriated Declan Rice, who cautioned his teammates not to afford to “make silly mistakes.”AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal FC - Premier League

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AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal FC - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

WHAT HAPPENED?

Saliba was sent off for the first time in his career on Saturday as the 10 men of Arsenal went down 2-0 against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League. The Frenchman was initially shown a yellow card for tugging back Cherries striker Evanilson as he looked set to run through on goal. However, referee Rob Jones was sent to the monitor by VAR Jared Gillett and then produced a red card for the defender.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The defender became the third Gunners star, after Rice and Leandro Trossard, to be sent off in the club’s opening eight Premier League outings of the 2024/25 campaign. Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Rice issued a warning to his colleagues that the team cannot afford to continue to commit ‘silly mistakes’ on the pitch if they want to remain in the title race.

AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal FC - Premier League

DECLAN RICE’S MENTION

“We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games, and we got away with it at home against Brighton and away at Manchester City,” the English midfielder stated. Pursuing, Bournemouth increased their lead at 2-0. I applaud the guys for fighting despite having just ten men, but we must stop being so naive and realize that having 11 players for ninety minutes is what wins football games.”

With ten men, we shown a great deal of character and personality to continue playing. Martinelli had the best opportunity, but the goalkeeper saw it and made an excellent save.

A minute later, we were done, usually thanks to a routine we are quite good at.””We can’t make careless mistakes,” he continued. Your greatest players must always be on the field. We have a strong sense of conviction and will remain united. Whatever happens in football, the most important thing is to stay united and move in the correct direction.”

FUTURE PLANS FOR ARSENAL?

The team led by Mikel Arteta will return to action in midweek when they play Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Then, on Sunday, they will play Liverpool in a huge Premier League match.