Premier League Issue William Saliba Statement After Declan Rice Comment

Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end on Saturday following a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. French defender William Saliba was sent off after a VAR review.

It was a tough evening for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title as they struggled against Bournemouth.

The Gunners were defeated 2-0 by the Cherries on Saturday evening, with goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert securing all three points for the home team at Vitality Stadium.

Arsenal’s challenge became even more difficult following William Saliba’s dismissal. The French defender was sent off for a last-man foul on Evanilson, meaning he will miss the upcoming match against Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta is set to take his squad back to training in preparation for their Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk. Here is a roundup of the key headlines from North London.

Premier League Explain Saliba Red

The Premier League have issued a statement clarifying the reason for William Saliba’s red card during the match against Bournemouth on Saturday. It said: “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.”

Saliba initially received a yellow card for his tackle on Evanilson near the halfway line. However, after a VAR review, referee Rob Jones upgraded the punishment to a red card. This makes Saliba the third Arsenal player to be sent off this season, after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.

Rice Fires Simple Message

Declan Rice has urged Arsenal to cut out mistakes after their loss on Saturday. In an interview with Sky Sports following the match, he stated: 

“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 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. The belief is so high and we will stick together. This is football, whatever happens the most important thing is that you stick together and stay in the right direction.”

Webb Controversy Clarified

The PGMOL have addressed the confusion regarding Howard Webb’s presence during William Saliba’s dismissal against Bournemouth. Webb, a former Premier League referee, was seen at the Vitality Stadium wearing an earpiece.

However, he was not in communication with the match officials when the decision was made. Webb was only listening to the exchanges between the on-field referees and the VAR team.

He had no authority to influence the officials or speak with them during the game. It is standard practice for refereeing managers or coaches to listen to communications during matches.

In other news, “I Can Say…” – Fabrizio Romano Shares What He’s Now Hearing on Saliba Leaving Arsenal After Rudiger’s Comment