Arsenal's red card problem: Will the discipline problem cost the Gunners the title?

In the short term, Arsenal's latest dismissal is a huge blow as Saliba will miss the home game against current Premier League leaders Liverpool on October 27.

The Gunners are currently one point behind the Reds in the table, but should Arne Slot's side win against Chelsea on Sunday and then beat Arsenal, they would be seven points ahead of Arteta's side.

Champions Manchester City could also beat Arsenal – their closest rivals in the last two seasons – with wins over winless clubs Wolves and Southampton in the next two seasons.

“Playing at this level with 10 men for 65 minutes is an impossible task. It’s an accident waiting to happen and not get the points,” Arteta said.

On his team's disciplinary issues, the Spaniard added: “There are things we have discussed regarding certain issues. Of course we have to play at 11 if we want to be in the position we want to be.”

“I thought what we did with ten men was pretty remarkable.”

Like the red cards Trossard received this season against Manchester City and Rice at Brighton for the delay in the restart, Saliba's sending off was avoidable as Trossard's poor pass created a situation from which his teammate could not recover.

Midfielder Rice said he was “proud” of his teammates’ fight but regretted the “naivety” that ultimately cost them.

“We kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games,” he said.

“We can’t make stupid mistakes. You always need all of your best players on the pitch. The faith is so great and we will stick together.”