First Half
We really looked poor in the first period of the game. Vulnerable on every Bournemouth attack without conceding that many shots on goal, but that ignores the balls across the box which just required a touch to be a goal. Terrier had our one moment of brightness, hitting the post with a decent effort from distance.
Gradually we took control and the magnificent OG was just reward for our domination. Everything was going smoothly up to half-time with a few half chances which might have made it 2-0.
1 minute signalled as injury time – just make sure you go in ahead at the break for the first time this season. Nah, let’s chuck 9 players forward to try to grab the second, tit about doing tricks in their area, lose the ball and concede on the stroke of half time. Wengeresque Arsenal – if that’s not being too unkind to Arsene.
Second Half
Helter skelter all the way. Shed loads of possession, some great chances especially on the break. Arsenal’s mastery over xG seems to have gone. Then bang! Auba finishes after the Wardrobe gets behind the Bournemouth full back.
Come one, lads, see the game out – just as a side aspiring to a top four finish would do. ‘No chance’, say the boys in peacoat mint or whatever hideous description of that colour Puma have us playing in. Chances are spurned and Bournemouth sense a way back in.
The substitutions will make us more secure, surely? Nope, far less secure. Ramsey playing in his ‘I’ll do whatever I like’ mode and Guendouzi effective but not as effective as Torreira.
Mustafi’s tackle right on the edge of the area just to give Bournemouth one last sniff was heart-attack inducing.
Summary
Written just after the game, I am struggling to understand how we made such hard work of it. Still, job done, a fine three points at a difficult place to go – what the hell am I complaining at?
Ratings
Leno – had the shot covered which hit the post from our first goalscorer – playing out from the back often became, hoofing it out and losing possession. Oh well … 7
Bellerin – seemed to enjoy the freedom of not having to cover his a*se so much with three at the back … 7
Mustafi – some good, some bad – a typical performance all round … 6
Sokratis – seemed a bit baffled by the pace of the Prem but struggled manfully … 6
Holding – Our most composed centre back again … 7
Kolasinac – good going forward in the second half especially – two vital assists, extra point for that … 6
Torreira – tidied up in his usual effective way. Subbed because he was knackered? … 8
Xhaka – some good, some bad, some sweet, some sour … 7
Iwobi – tried hard, made a few poor decisions, should practice getting his foot over the ball when shooting … 7
Mkhitaryan – my personal most frustrating player of the day – so many good positions wasted – almost non-existent in the first half … 5
Aubameyang – doesn’t really lead the line – a couple of decent half chances spurned before his tap in – 20 goals in 31 games can’t complain … 7
Subs
Guendouzi – good enough but why? … 7
Ramsey – why? … 6
Nketiah – brought on to waste time which almost gave Bournemouth enough time to equalise from a free kick … 6
chas
Posted by Jeremy Bongo 
Arsenal News 24/7
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