1 day ago
33
BOURNEMOUTH 2-3 ARSENAL: Gunners' player performances rated after Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium
Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a tricky victory on the south coast. Bournemouth fought hard to try and find a point but the Gunners, once again, held on.
Arsenal fell behind after a horrendous error by Gabriel Magalhaes handed Evanilson an open goal to tap into. He made up, however, for his error by smashing in minutes later.
Martin Odegaard found Declan Rice on the edge of the box at the start of the second half who slotted in to give the Gunners the lead. The England international got his second after Bukayo Saka’s pass back into the box found him free to smash in. Junior Kroupi did score a stunning goal for the home side but the Gunners held on.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Could do little about the opening goal and even came close to recovering. The strike from Kroupi gave the Spaniard very little chance whatsoever. 6
Jurrien Timber – Brilliant tackle close to the goal line where the Dutchman reversed possession to start a counter. Brilliant last-man challenge to deny David Brooks at the back post. 8
William Saliba – Could do little about the goal but dealt with the Bournemouth pressure well. 7
Gabriel – A nightmare start to the game for the Brazilian, whose misplaced pass across the goal found Evanilson, who gratefully accepted a free goal. However, just minutes later and the centre-half smashed in with a brilliant strike. 7
Piero Hincapie – Playing the left back role, the Ecuadorian was tested by Semenyo and beaten on occasion too. Beaten too often come the full time whistle. 6
Martin Zubimendi – Lost the ball early in the first half but his influence grew throughout the game. Although his booking meant he was playing on a knife-edge to end the game. 7
Declan Rice – Despite being unable to play in midweek, the midfielder started on the south coast. A subdued first half but a great goal at the start of the second, firing in low past Petrovic first-time.
Then he had his second courtesy of Bukayo Saka’s generous cut-back giving the midfielder a great brace. 9
Martin Odegaard – Was dipping in between the lines in the first half but couldn’t find a way through a stubborn Bournemouth defence. However, it was his pass which found Rice on the edge for the Gunners’ second goal.
Then it was his pass which spotted the overlapping Saka which would create then the third goal. Another impressive performance from the skipper. 8
Noni Madueke – Missed a very good opportunity after driving into the box early on, skying his shot. It was his run and attempted pass from the right which led to the equaliser and was a lively presence on the right throughout. 7
Viktor Gyokeres – A first half like many others where the number 14 looked quite toothless and unthreatening. He was physical in the build-up for the goal but outside of that, was hardly involved in the game, again. 5
Gabriel Martinelli – Had the beating of Alex Jimenez on the left hand side but couldn’t find the right delivery into the box. Brilliant aerial contribution during the build-up for the second goal. 7
Substitutes:
Leandro Trossard – Came on to replace Gabriel Martinelli. Energetic as usual after coming on and found a couple of opportunities. 6
Gabriel Jesus – Came on to replace Viktor Gyokeres. Saw a late strike saved low by Petrovic. 6
Bukayo Saka – Straight off the bench and an assist to his name after the pass from Odegaard, spotting Rice free to score the Gunners’ third. 7
Mikel Merino – Came on to replace Martin Odegaard. Had a strike from outside the box saved by Petrovic. 6
English (US) ·