- Safiu Kehinde
Arsenal impressive start of the season have come to an abrupt end after 2-0 away defeated to Bournemouth.
The North London Club had travelled to the Vitality Stadium to continue their chase for the English Premier League title.
Despite the absence of Bukayo Saka, who suffered a knock at the International break, the Gunners established dominance against their host.
However, things would turn out bad for Mikel Arteta’a side following Williams Saliba’s rough challenge on Bournemouth’s striker, Evanilson.
Saliba had pulled down Evanilson following a defensive blunder from Leonardo Trossard, leaving the Bournemouth striker with a goal scoring opportunity.
The referee had initially given Saliba a yellow card for the offense but a review from Video Assistant Referee (VAR) upturned the decision to red card, leaving Arsenal down to 10-man in the 30th minute of play.
While the first half ended goalless, Bournemouth took advantage of their visitors in the second as Ryan Christie scores the opener for the Cherries in the 70th minute.
Bournemouth would double the lead in the 79th minute as Evanilson was again tripped by Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, awarding the host a penalty.
Justin Kluivert sent Raya the wrong direction from the penalty spot to confirm Arsenal first defeat of the season.
However, despite the defeat, Arsenal sits third on the league table with 17 points across eight matches.