WHAT HAPPENED?
Saliba was initially shown a yellow card for tugging back Bournemouth 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 sending off means Saliba will now face a suspension and will definitely miss a crucial clash against table-topping Liverpool next time out in the Premier League, leaving fans fearing for their team’s season already.
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Arsenal fan @Bikila88 posted on X: “Saliba Red? And missing Liverpool? We’re screwed.”
Fellow Gooner @bukayocore felt the same way: “no saliba for liverpool we’re actually finished omg.”
And @CallumLukePayne was also feeling pessimistic: “no saliba for liverpool newcastle and chelsea, we’re cooked.”
Arsenal’s habit of picking red cards was also disappointing @ThePeakSanti: “Third red card of the season and just like that no Saliba for Liverpool I’m tired man.”
While @Rory_Talks_Ball felt Arsenal’s whole season is now in jeopardy: “Yeah season’s f*cked then Saliba missing liverpool.”
@expiredjollof added: “Title gone. No Saliba vs Liverpool is nuts man.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Saliba has endured something of a nightmare week for club and country. The defender conceded a penalty for France against Belgium at the start of the week and has now received his first red card for Arsenal. His absence against Liverpool will be a huge blow in a match between two teams who have started the season strongly and are expected to battle it out with Manchester City for the title.
DID YOU KNOW?
Saliba’s red card is his first in 93 games for Arsenal and also his first in his 157th appearance in a match in Europe’s big-five leagues.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL
Arsenal face a visit from Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek in the Champions League before welcoming Liverpool to the Emirates on Sunday.
