Although it was far from a dazzling performance, Arsenal finally managed to register a win against Bournemouth.
The game was frenetic from the first minute with both teams having chances. However, as the first half wore on and the Cherries’ legs began to tire, we took over and managed to score two goals in quick succession through Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Although we backed off after scoring and there were some hairy moments, which Petr Cech dealt with, we managed to hold onto the lead and leave with all three points.
Petr Cech – 8
Another outstanding performance from the goalkeeper, especially towards to end of the second half when he pulled off a couple of unreal saves, one of which with his feet.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Petr Cech of Arsenal celebrates victory after the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Hector Bellerin – 7
The right-back looked the best he has done in a long time. His positioning was far better than it has been recently and he even covered for Gabriel, using his speed to see out a ball and save Cech from a one-on-one in the first half.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Benik Afobe of Bournemouth battles with Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Gabriel – 5.5
I’m not sure why he’s being played over Per Mertesacker. However, he had another poor game and needed the younger Bellerin to cover for him a couple of times.
Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel (R) vies with Bournemouth’s English midfielder Marc Pugh during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on February 7, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Another player who hasn’t been on top of his game recently who had a great match. The centre back made several key interceptions in the first half and continued to defend like his life depended on it in the second.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Joshua King of Bournemouth tussles with Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Nacho Monreal – 6.5
I’m running out of ways to say “Monreal was solid”. His consistency has been huge for us this season.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Matt Ritchie of Bournemouth is blocked by Nacho Monreal of Arsenal (18) during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Mathieu Flamini – 4
The midfielder should have been sent off for a ridiculous tackle in the sixth minute and was lucky to only receive a yellow card. He tends to like pointing a lot but the space he’s pointing to is where he’s supposed to be.
Arsenal’s French midfielder Mathieu Flamini (L) vies with Bournemouth’s English midfielder Charlie Daniels during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on February 7, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Aaron Ramsey – 7
Excellent for both goals. Also, the midfielder made a mouthwatering pass in the second half out to Alexis on the wing, right across the box. Lovely.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal is challenged by Andrew Surman of Bournemouth during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Mesut Ozil – 8
Not only did he score but he just continued to be a stunning footballer.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Mesut Oezil of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Alexis Sanchez – 7
You can tell he’s still not quite back to peak fitness but there are definitely signs he’s getting there. Moving across the front line with freedom, he just needs a goal.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal takes on Simon Francis of Bournemouth during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6.5
The forward had his best game for a while. He was strong, kept it simple and got a decent goal for his efforts. Although he dropped off slightly in the second half, hopefully he can keep this up.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud – 6
Another game where the big man failed to find the goal and was pretty much anonymous.
Beard watch: Intriguing.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Adam Smith of Bournemouth is challenged by Olivier Giroud of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
