Despite an edgy first half, Arsenal managed to grind out a reasonably comfortable 2-0 win against Bournemouth.
The first half was frenetic. We looked keen to make a difference early on but our eagerness meant we were making sloppy mistakes and as the half wore on, the Emirates crowd were getting nervous.
Thankfully, a fantastic opening goal from Gabriel set the standard and we continued to get chances throughout.
In the second half, Ozil sealed the deal with a stunning finish thanks to a superb flicked assist from Giroud.
Petr Cech – 7
Although the keeper didn’t have a lot to do, he kept yet another clean sheet, making him the most successful pair of safe hands in Premier League history.
Hector Bellerin – 6
The full-back is still having issues with both his positioning and crossing.
Gabriel – 8
Not only did he score his first goal for Arsenal – a great header – but he continued to be a goal threat and was incredibly secure at the back.
Per Mertesacker – 7.5
Although some say he should have done better when he was hit in the face with a ball off post and should have somehow directed it into the goal, I think that’s being a bit harsh and the big man had a decent game.
Kieran Gibbs – 7
The defender put in some rash challenges early on but seemed to calm down as the match wore on.
Aaron Ramsey – 8
The Welshman was full of beans once again and even had a couple of chances on goal.
Calum Chambers – 7.5
The youngster did really well in a relatively new position. He was solid and had a brilliant game.
Mesut Ozil – 9
The German almost single-handedly ran the game. Even before his assist he could have set up several goals and to have him score one was the cherry on top.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Although his crossing in general wasn’t great, it was his fantastic strength down the right wing, which led to the corner that we scored our first goal from.
Theo Walcott – 7
A little bit wasteful, especially with the amount of chances Ozil was setting him up with.
Olivier Giroud – 7
The big man didn’t have a fantastic game but his assist for Ozil’s goal was stunning. The cheeky flick wasn’t the first the Frenchman has supplied and I’m sure it won’t be the last.