Arsenal succumbed to a shock 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth that saw William Saliba sent off.
The Gunners travelled to the south coast having gone unbeaten in all of their opening seven games but fell short on Saturday.
Saliba’s dismissal left Arsenal with ten men for most of the matchGetty
With around 30 minutes played, Saliba fouled Bournemouth striker Evanilson whilst he was running into the Arsenal half.
Saliba was initially shown a yellow card by referee Robert Jones but after a VAR check, the centre-back was sent walking.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opted to make a change amid their new one-man disadvantage but it failed to make a positive impact.
Bournemouth scored the opener in the 70th minute when Ryan Christie fired in following a smart corner routine.
The Cherries were the in dreamland soon after as David Raya fouled Evanilson in the area and Jones pointed to the spot.
Justin Kluivert was the man to step up from 12 yards and he did so with ease to net his side’s second and seal all three points.
Arsenal missed out on the chance to go top of the Premier League and could end the weekend in fourth if Chelsea beat Liverpool.
The north London side were without two key stars in Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard due to injury.
Saka went off injured for England against Greece during the international break whilst Odegaard has been absent since August.
It’s clear that their quality was missing against Bournemouth in what was a performance way below their standards.
Christie netted Bournemouth’s first with 20 minutes to playGetty
A Kluivert penalty then made it game, set and matchGetty
Their Premier League title challengers Manchester City could open up a three-point gap ahead of them if they win at Wolves on Sunday.
Liverpool could go one better and sit four points clear of Arsenal though should they claim victory at home to Chelsea.
The Reds next face the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium in what will be a crucial top of the table clash.
Arsenal will be without Saliba for the match though following his red card, the club’s third of the season.
Their result at Bournemouth could be an early blow to their title hopes but there is still a long way to go until a winner is crowned.
