Premier League issues statement after William Saliba red card hands Liverpool boost

The Premier League has in Arsenal's encounter with Bournemouth, explaining the reason behind the VAR intervention. Initially booked with a caution by referee Rob Jones for his tackle on Evanilson, Saliba's punishment was elevated to an expulsion post a VAR review and a second look at the pitchside monitor.

The league provided insight through their match center's social media platform, stating: "The referee gave Saliba a yellow card for a challenge on Evanilson. The VAR deemed that Saliba denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."

Saliba is in the league against , unless Arsenal can orchestrate a successful appeal, drawing parallels with Manchester United's recent success in overturning Bruno Fernandes' suspension. That seems extremely unlikely.

Ex-Premier League defender Danny Gabbidon weighed in on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying: "There wasn't any cover really but you think with William Saliba's pace he would have come back." He added: "However the arms come out and he drags down Evanilson."

It's a pivotal moment for the Cherries, as Gabbidon elaborated: "That is a game changer for Bournemouth. Evanilson had a lot to do, a long way from goal but there wasn't any cover to save William Saliba. The defender panics and tries to react but he could only bring down the forward."

Saliba's sending-off was just another setback for Arsenal, with star man Bukayo Saka sidelined due to an injury sustained on England duty. Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, admitted: "We tried the last few days [to get him fit]. He didn't have the right feeling, so we decided there was no point pushing him. That's why we have various options. It is a good test for the team."

The absence of Martin Odegaard, who has been out since last month with an ankle issue sustained playing for Norway, meant that for the first time since January 2021, the Gunners had to face Bournemouth without either their captain or Saka in the squad. Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert scored the goals in a 2-0 win.

Liverpool.com says: Saliba will be a huge miss for Arsenal and Liverpool needs to take advantage. If the Reds can win at the Emirates Stadium, that would be a huge result in the title race. Before that, though, there is Chelsea and RB Leipzig.