Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasised that his team "cannot continue to play with ten men" in the aftermath of William Saliba’s red card during the match against Bournemouth.

The French centre-back received his marching orders in the first half, and the Gunners subsequently lost 2-0, marking their first defeat of the Premier League campaign.

Saliba becomes the third Arsenal player to be sent off this season, following the dismissals of midfielder Declan Rice against Brighton and forward Leandro Trossard during the draw with Manchester City.

"Playing with ten men always presents a challenge," Arteta stated, pointing out that his team has conceded goals in all three matches in which they have been reduced to ten players.

"The reality is, when you analyse it, there are three very different incidents with distinct outcomes and varying reasons behind them.

"Nevertheless, we cannot continue to play with ten men, especially at this level. We must eradicate that; it is clear. The reasons and how it occurs are irrelevant. We need to focus and ensure it does not happen again."

Since Arteta took charge of Arsenal on 26 December 2019, the club has accumulated 18 red cards—five more than any other team in the Premier League during that period.

Saliba will be unavailable for the home match against Liverpool on Sunday but will be eligible to feature in Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

"It is about how we react," Arteta continued. "Experiencing a defeat is part of the game and sport. We need to move forward, take the pain we are still feeling, and channel that into our performance on Tuesday."