Arsenal have taken another step closer to the Premier League title with a controversial win over Bournemouth. The Gunners are now four points clear of 2nd placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
Kai Havertz won a penalty in the first half, which was converted with ease by Bukayo Saka. The Gunners went into the break wiht a 1-0 lead after a dominating performance.
Bournemouth were the better team in the second half and were close to getting back in the game. However, Dominic Solanke missed his chance and Leandro Trossard made him pay by doubling Arsenal‘s lead against the run of play.
The away side then scored to make it 2-1, but the referee blew for a foul on David Raya and canceled the goal. Declan Rice went on a crazy run into the box and was found by Gabriel Jesus to make it 3-0 at the very end of the match.
Without further ado, here are the player ratings from the match:
Arsenal player ratings:
David Raya – 7/10
Had to make just two saves in the game and was mostly a spectator with the best view of the match.
Benjamin White – 7/10
Another decent outing for the right-back but he did not have a lot to do today.
William Saliba – 8/10
The Frenchman was at his best once again and was rock solid in defence.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7/10
The Brazilian had an iffy game as he was giving away cheap fouls and losing possession, but it did not cost Arsenal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 8/10
The make-shift left-back was on point from the start to the end. He managed to make them tick on the left flank.
Martin Ødegaard – 7.5/10
No goal or assist for Odegaard today but he still managed to impress everyone watching. Created one chance but failed to get any of his shots on target.
Thomas Partey – 6/10
Did not have a lot to do defensively and was just used in transition. Managed to stick to his position but was iffy on the ball.
Declan Rice – 9/10
One of the best games since moving to Arsenal for Declan Rice. The goal at the end of the game was the icing on top of the cake.
Bukayo Saka – 8/10
Was targetted by the Bournemouth players and had a tough time in the frist half as his shots were getting blocked easily. However, his penalty set things in motion for the Gunners.
Kai Havertz – 8.5/10
The German has found his form at the right time for Arsenal as they continue their title charge. He won the penalty and was having a brilliant game up front.
Leandro Trossard – 7.5/10
The Belgian had a game to forget until he scored the second goal of the match. He was ineffective but still managed to be clutch inside the box.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10
Made a brilliant run into the box but decided to dive for a penalty instead of shooting. Referee did not fall for his trick.
Gabriel Jesus – 6/10
Got an assist at the end of the game, but was not able to do much despite coming on for the final minutes.
Bourenmouth player ratings
Mark Travers – 7/10
The Bournemouth goalkeeper made six savves in the game but should have done a lot better for the second and third goals.
Adam Smith – 5/10
A match to forget for the Bournemouth captain. He was finding it hard to deal with Trossard despite the Arsenal star not being at his best.
Illia Zabarnyi – 6/10
The center-back was doing well in dealing with Kai Havertz but the German proved to be just too good for the Bournemouth star.
Marcos Senesi – 6/10
Had a decent match but was taken off to add more legs in attak at the end of the game.
Dango Ouattara – 6.5/10
The pick of the Bournemouth defence was the player who was forced to play out of position. He was doing well against Saka and did not give the Arsenal star any breathing space.
Lewis Cook – 6.5/10
The midfieler was in decent touch today but could not create a chance or take a shot as he had Thomas Partey with him all the time.
Ryan Christie – 6/10
Lucky to have played the while game as he was very close to getting sent off in the first half. His high boot caught Saka but the referee and VAR did not see it as a red card offence.
Antoine Semenyo – 5/10
Played the whole game but managed to make just 14 passes. He was isolated by the Arsenal defence and hardly got to make any good moves.
Alex Scott – 5.5/10
A tough match for the highly talented youngster. was booked early in the game but managed to do well before he was taken off.
Justin Kluivert – 6/10
Pick of the Bournemouth attackers today as he managed to do more than the rest. Still did not manage to get a shot on target, but the off the movement was brilliant.
Dominic Solanke – 5.5/10
Should have scored from his chance but failed to get the ball into the back of the net.
Philip Billing – 5/10
Played over 20 minutes, but still managed just 8 touches. Could not help make an impact from the bench.
Enes Unal – 5/10
Managed 3 touches and 2 passes in his 10+ minutes on the pitch. Isolated.
Max Aarons – 5/10
Hardly made an impact after coming on.
Romain Faivre – 5/10
Hardly made an impact after coming on.
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