Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 4
Andoni Iraola welcomed old friend Mikel Arteta to the Vitality Stadium as he looked for his first win of the season against wannabe title contenders Arsenal. It was a packed house for the North London’s side visit, all hoping to witness that elusive win.
Arsenal were in control of the game from the off as a Martin Odegaard ball into the back post was headed by Gabriel Jesus, the keeper got it all wrong as he watched it clip the woodwork, bouncing down into the path of Bukayo Saka. It was more difficult to miss than score as the Arsenal youngster had an open goal to head into.
Zinchenko and Nketiah then exchanged a series of passes down the left and as the striker ran into the box it was one of the most obvious penalties of the season. Aarons mistimed his challenge, missed the ball completely, and chopped Nketiah down.
Saka stepped up to the spot with ball in hand but for some reason then walked over to Odegaard and handed it to him. The Norwegian stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way and stuck it in the bottom corner.
Credit: @Arsenal
The Vitality Stadium is one of the smallest in the Premier League, only holding around 10,000 fans, it may not be the case next season in The Championship. Christie managed to test Raya for the first time in the game but The Cherries’ player did not connect with his effort very well.
In the second-half, The Gunners were passing the ball around the Bournemouth box before Christie wiped out the classy midfielder. He protested his innocence to the referee with passion but seeing the replay you could forgive the powers that be for randomly drug testing him if he was genuine in his protests.
Then came the next Arsenal penalty which took the form of a Chuckle Brothers’ sketch. Saka picked up the ball again, handed it to Odegaard who then decided to pass it to Havertz. To me, to you. The misfiring German slotted home with the away fans in raptures.
Mikel Arteta celebrated the goal like he just found out that he had won a lifetime supply of Just for Men. Nothing like a bit of passion from the jet-black haired Spaniard.
Bournemouth gave the ball away and Jesus ran through before being hauled down on the edge of the box. The ball broke to Smith Rowe, so play was waved on, but the Hollyoaks actor saw his effort go wide of the far post. Tough luck Ste.
Arsenal added a fourth in added time when Ben White rose to meet a Martin Odegaard cross with keeper Neto getting nowhere near it. The Gunners enjoyed a very comfortable weekend on the south coast in what was a very one-sided game.
Credit: @Arsenal
While Mikel Arteta lauded his players for their four-nil victory, it was really an easy day at the office as The Cherries offered little resistance. Unless they can change things in the next four games, Andoni Iraola may be getting some time off for Christmas, and the year following that.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.