Declan Rice's five-word message to referee Robert Jones after Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth speaks volumes

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice gave a telling message to referee Robert Jones after the Gunners suffered a shock first Premier League loss of the campaign to Bournemouth.

The Gunners travelled to the Vitality Stadium last night to face the Cherries, but Mikel Arteta's side was reduced to 10 men in the first half when defender William Saliba was dismissed after tripping Evanilson near the centre circle.

Referee Jones eventually produced a straight red card to the France international after he was adjudged to have likely been the last man and the Bournemouth striker would have been clear through on goal had he not been brought to the ground.

Raheem Sterling was subsequently sacrificed for Jakub Kiwior to bolster Arsenal's defence as the game was goalless at half-time.

But the hosts went ahead 20 minutes from full-time as Ryan Christie fired into the top corner, before Justin Kluivert later slotted home from the penalty spot after Evanilson was brought down in the box by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to ensure the Cherries would claim the three points in a 2-0 victory.

The result leaves Arsenal third in the top flight table and a point behind current leaders Liverpool, but both Arne Slot's side and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have games in hand over the Gunners which they play this afternoon.

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City travel to Molineux to take on Wolves, while Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield later on this afternoon.

Comments from Gunners midfielder Rice have now emerged and it appears he told referee Jones 'every week it's the same' as he complained to the officials following Arsenal's shock defeat.

It was the third red card of the Premier League campaign for the Gunners, after Rice was dismissed against Brighton and Leandro Trossard being given his marching orders versus City.

However, speaking in a separate post-match interview, Rice appeared to hold his hands up and accept the Gunners only had themselves to blame for the loss and that 'silly mistakes' ultimately cost them.

As per the Metro, he 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.

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"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.

"With 10 men we showed a lot of character and personality to stay in the game. The big chance was [Gabriel] Martinelli’s and the keeper read it and made a great save and one minute later, normally a routine we are so strong at, has done us.

"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."