Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said his team “cannot continue playing with ten men” after William Saliba’s red card at Bournemouth.

The French centre-back was sent off in the first half against the Cherries and the Gunners went on to lose 2-0 – their first defeat of the Premier League season.

He is the third Arsenal player to be sent off this season, following the dismissal of midfielder Declan Rice against Brighton and forward Leandro Trossard in the draw at Manchester City.

“When you play with 10 men there is always a problem,” said Arteta, whose side have conceded goals in all three games in which they were reduced to 10 men.

“The truth is, if you analyze it, there are three very different actions and the outcome of them is very different.

“Anyway, we can’t keep playing with ten men, especially not at this level.

“We have to eradicate that, that’s clear. The reasons and how – it doesn’t matter. We have to focus and it has to be done.”

Since Arteta’s first game as Arsenal manager on December 26, 2019, the Gunners have received 18 red cards – five more than any other Premier League team in that period.

Saliba will miss Sunday’s home match against Liverpool, but can play in Arsenal’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton says Arsenal’s poor discipline could cost them the Premier League title race.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, Sutton said: “It is a concern if they are to be considered serious challengers to Manchester City and Liverpool, just because of the small margins that come with winning or losing a title.

“I felt sorry for Saliba but I thought it was a red card and that was because of Trossard’s pass. It was an honest attempt to get back but there was a coming together and it was a red card and still more loss of points.

“In a title race you cannot afford to give your rivals an advantage.”