Arsenal slipped to a potentially devastating defeat against Bournemouth (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side stumbled to potentially devastating defeat at home to Bournemouth, as their pursuit for a first Premier League title since 2004 takes a major blow. The title remains in their hands, but the result will no doubt have the nerves jangling ahead of a season-defining week for the north Londoners.
Arsenal’s sleepy form continued in the early stages of the first half, with Bournemouth stunning the Emirates Stadium by taking the lead after just 17 minutes. A deflected cross found its way to Eli Junior Kroupi at the back post, who made no mistake with his thumping finish. The hosts continued to look shaky, but were gifted a penalty when Ryan Christie was adjudged to have stopped Gabriel’s close-range shot with his hand. Viktor Gyokeres converted from 12 yards to restore parity, but it was a far from perfect first half.
The nervousness carried into the second half, with the Emirates crowd becoming more and more jittery as the game went on. It was no surprise that the third goal of the game came at the end Arsenal were defending, as Evanilson slipped Alex Scott through on goal, with the playmaker tucking home a tidy finish. From that point on, the Cherries didn’t come under too much pressure, with Bournemouth seeing out the match to take a valuable three points. Express Sport hands out player ratings from Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
Returned to the starting XI in mid-week and was rightly awarded the Man of the Match award vs Sporting. But it felt more like Kepa was back between the sticks, as his distribution was poor, and almost cost the hosts a goal on more than one occasion. Mind you, he couldn’t do much about the Bournemouth goals.
Lacks the dynamism to make any sort of impact on the right flank. Arsenal’s defensive stability has got them to this point, but in matches like this during the run-in, they needed so much more from an attacking point of view.
Nearly scored a wonder goal in the dying embers of the contest, but went walkabouts for the Bournemouth second.
Started well, but was bamboozled by Bournemouth’s fluidity in attack and much like his centre-back partner, was poor for the eventual winner.
His afternoon was summed up when flagged for offside in added time. One of several Arsenal players who weren’t anywhere near good enough.
Spent most of the match looking lost in the middle of the park. Chasing shadows in the middle of the park and far too sluggish in possession. Didn’t know how to up the ante when necessary and wouldn’t have looked out of place in a game of walking football.
The only Arsenal player with anything about them for most of the match. By far and away the only one who looked like making something happen.
Martin Zubimendi struggled in midfield for Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Was deployed as the creative crown jewel in Arsenal’s midfield, but failed to make an impact on the game. Much more suited to leading the line instead. Was among the three players replaced early in the second half.
Spent most of his time falling over. Ironically, the winger played better when he was second fiddle to Bukayo Saka. Hasn’t impressed during his countryman’s absence.
The penalty was exquisite. Genuinely. Everything else was disgraceful. Contrived to miss three golden chances when Arsenal were chasing the game. No wonder he covered his face up for the celebration, not sure anyone would want to be associated with that performance…
Only noticed he was on the pitch when his number came up 10 minutes into the second half. Registered eight touches and just one of them was in the opposition penalty area. Not a surprise the Gunners are said to be looking at alternative left-wing options.
The teenager is Arsenal’s most threatening attacker right now. Arteta has a decision to make because if he’s picking his team based on form, the 16-year-old has to be involved.
Presumably not fit enough to start, but did make an impact when brought on. His fitness could prove crucial over the next few weeks.
Runs a lot, but that’s about it. Offered nothing off the bench.
Who knows why Arteta waited until the 76th minute of a game they needed to win in a title race to bring on one of their only recognised attacking substitutes. Was probably too busy watching TikTok edits instead.
Not sure why Arteta deemed it necessary to bring him on.
