Yahoo Sports Declan Rice gives brutally honest verdict as ‘naive’ Arsenal lose to Bournemouth
Declan Rice offered no excuses after ten-man Arsenal were beaten by Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Gunners faced an uphill battle from the half hour mark when William Saliba was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity as Evanilson bore down on goal.
Ryan Christie broke the deadlock off a clever corner routine in the 70th minute, before Justin Kluivert converted from the spot to secure their second ever Premier League win over the north London outfit.
It’s the third time Arsenal have had a player sent off in the league this season, the most of any top-flight side.
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Rice admitted it’s a symptom of the team’s naivety and they need to stop making “silly mistakes” if they are to challenge for the title this year.
“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.”
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