Arsenal Player Ratings vs Bournemouth – Here’s how the Gunners fared
Arsenal continued their unbeaten run in the league when they beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality stadium in a tightly-contested game. The visitors edged ahead when a Sead Kolasinac cutback was inadvertently slashed in by Jefferson Lerma, who was trying to clear the cross away.
The Cherries equalised just seconds before half-time with a counter-attack from the highest order, finished elegantly by Josh King. Unai Emery’s men imposed their game in the second half and deservedly got back in front when Kolasinac assisted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a simple tap in.
This result puts the Gunners on the shoulder of the top four, with two heavyweight games against Tottenham and Manchester United due to come.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Bernd Leno (7.5)
Had no chance to save the goal but his confidence on the ball helps others at the back. The German is evolving well.
Shkodran Mustafi (6)
The German is a good defender in moments, and then becomes a rash persona of himself in other moments. He lacks consistency and badly so.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (6)
Was surprisingly shaken at times with the movements of Bournemouth attackers. He was wrestling with them rather than calmly dealing with situations.
Rob Holding (7)
Probably the best defender on the pitch. Commanded his area and was a treat with the ball at his feet.
Hector Bellerin (6.5)
The Spaniard was sharp going forward but was caught out once or twice on the break.
Sead Kolasinac (7.5)
Full of running and assisted the second goal for Aubameyang. Tracked back as well when required.
Lucas Torreira (7.5)
A class act in central midfield for the Gunners. His ball retention and movement were sumptuous. His tenacity and bite is a necessity for Arsenal right now.
Granit Xhaka (6.5)
A solid presence in the midfield but his passing was a bit strayed. Glad that he has an ever-willing Torreira alongside him.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (6)
A hit and miss game for the Armenian, who never looked assured on the ball. Should have done better with one or two promising situations in the final third.
Alex Iwobi (7.5)
The Nigerian was an ever-present threat to the defenders with his probing runs. His exquisite pass to Kolasinac allowed the Bosnian to set up Aubemeyang for Arsenal’s second goal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (7)
Should have done well with a couple of chances before burying in the simplest of all.
Substitutes
Matteo Guendouzi (Subbed on after 79 mins) (5)
Was brought on to add extra energy to the midfield.
Aaron Ramsey (Subbed on after 82 mins) (N/A)
Had no time to make an impact.
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