Mikel Arteta admitted it was two big errors that cost his side as ten man Arsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
William Saliba was dismissed mid-way through the first half for a tug back on Evanilson after the Brazilian had latched onto Leandro Trossard’s wayward pass.
Bournemouth eventually made the numerical advantage pay, with goals from substitutes Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert bringing the Gunners’ unbeaten start to the season to an end.
Gabriel Martinelli had a glorious chance to give the visitors the lead moments before the hosts broke the deadlock.
But in the battle of the Basque Country managers, it was Andoni Iraola who came out on top to record a famous victory at the Vitality Stadium.
“It’s a game of errors and tonight we made two big ones” ❌
Mikel Arteta was left disappointed by Arsenal’s loss to Bournemouth 👇 pic.twitter.com/hYJbIF53T7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2024
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Arteta lamented his side’s mistakes.
The Arsenal boss said: “We’re very disappointed with the result. Obviously we came here to win the game but it’s tough enough to play against this opponent and we knew it was going to be very intense.
“But after 30 minutes you go down to ten men and have to play 60 minutes in this league with ten men. That’s an accident waiting to happen.
“We tried very hard, we had the biggest chance in the game. Then at the other end we concede and it’s very difficult.
“It’s a game of errors and we made two big ones and that has cost us the game.”
What a result for the Cherries as they take all three points against Arsenal! 🍒 pic.twitter.com/a4HF89KkWE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2024
The result was only Bournemouth’s second ever victory over their north London opponents, and meant Arsenal squandered the chance to go to the top of the Premier League for the first time this term.
Echoing his manager, midfielder Declan Rice was honest in his assessment of the game, admitting that the mistakes ultimately proved costly.
“The matter of the fact is that we’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games this season,” said Rice.
“We’ve got away with it twice but luck can’t always go your way. In the end, Bournemouth kept probing and they won 2-0.
“I think with ten men we showed a lot of personality and character to stay in the game but we’ve got to stop making mistakes.
“But the big chance was Martinelli’s chance. The keeper has made a great save and they go up the other end and get a corner a minute later. A routine that usually we’re so strong at has done us.
“So no regrets tonight other than the fact we can’t keep making silly mistakes, especially if you want to be able to compete at the top end come the end of the season.”
