“It’s so difficult and it’s already proved” - Alan Shearer on what Arsenal must stop doing if they want to win Premier League

Alan Shearer has issued a warning to Arsenal after their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday (19 October). The Englishman insists that the Gunners have to sort out their disciplinary issues if they want to win the Premier League this season.

The Gunners locked horns with the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, October 19. William Saliba committed a last-man foul in the first half on Bournemouth striker Evanilson and referee Rob Jones initially booked him. However, after an on-field monitor review, it was upgraded to a red and Saliba was sent off.

Things took a turn for the worse after Arsenal were reduced to 10 men. Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert got on the scoresheet in the second period, handing the Gunners their first defeat of the season.

Arsenal have received three red cards in just eight games this term. Declan Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion while Leandro Trossard received two yellows in another disputed incident against Manchester City.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer highlighted the club's disciplinary record and said (via TBR Football):

“They are not going to win the title if they continue to get red cards because it’s just too tough in our league, in the Premier League, to be, no matter how good you are, to go in against 11 v 10 for an hour.

“It’s so difficult and it’s already proved, isn’t it? They have got the three times it’s happened this season, they have only taken two points from nine. So that tells you how hard it’s going to be."

The Gunners will next face FC Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night (22 October).

Declan Rice slams Arsenal for making 'silly mistakes' after Bournemouth defeat

Arsenal star Declan Rice has rued his side's carelessness after suffering their third red card of the season against Bournemouth. The England international has called for caution from his teammates to prevent further transgressions.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the former West Ham United midfielder said:

"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.

"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."

Rice has started all of his side's fixtures this season, barring their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month owing to a one-match suspension. The Englishman has made ten appearances in all competitions, contributing a goal and an assist apiece.

Meanwhile, Arsenal find themselves trailing four points behind league leaders Liverpool in third place after Bournemouth loss.