Arsenal rang in a host of changes as they sought nothing less than three points to put a horror Boxing Day showing against Southampton behind them. Wenger made four changes to the side that got drubbed away to the Saints while the high-flying Cherries made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 against Palace.
The Gunners needed to put in an inspired display against Bournemouth, who have scalped famous away wins against United and Chelsea, to be with a chance of ending the day as table toppers.
Bournemouth started the game on top, but after Gabriel’s goal, Arsenal lay siege and really should have wrapped up the game by the first half. A slow second half ensued, but a wonderful link-up between Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil saw the German scoring and securing the points against their overawed opponents. The Gunners provisionally moved to the top of the table – awaiting the result between fellow leaders Leicester City and Manchester City.
Arsenal
Cech – 6.5
The shot-stopper had a stern message for his teammates following the shambolic defeat on Boxing Day – there are no free lunches in this League. Didn’t have much to do as his side romped home, collecting his Premier League clean sheet record in the process.
Gibbs - 6.5
Arsenal old boy and England international has seen his place on the left wing usurped by Nacho Monreal. Put in a decent performance, but a sore muscle meant an early end to his game.
Gabriel – 7
Signed by Wenger in the last January window, the Brazilian centre-back has fit in well and provided good cover and competition for Koscielny and Mertesacker. Gabriel surprised one and all by delivering the goods at the other end as he scored his first Arsenal goal off yet another Ozil assist. Didn’t have much to do defensively.
Mertesacker - 6.5
Despite having a woeful shortcoming in his lack of pace, Mertesacker is quite a solid defender but has the knack of throwing in a clanger ever so often, as was evident in his performance against Southampton. BFG should have been the second Arsenal centre-half to score when he missed a sitter from point blank range off a corner kick, but otherwise had a good day in the office.
Bellerin - 6.5
One of Arsenal’s resident speed kings, Bellerin has tailed off slightly from his performances which earned him rave reviews from all corners stretching back to last season. However, he was always a threat down the right with his probing crosses and speedy runs. The Gunners will be hoping he’s back to his best soon.
Chambers - 6.5
The young defender has been trained in the defensive midfield position since Coquelin suffered a long-term injury, and finally got his chance with Wenger starting him against the Cherries. Did reasonably well till a silly tackle on Arter earned him a yellow card.
Ramsey - 6.5
The Welsh international has filled up the gap left by Santi Cazorla admirably since returning to his favoured position in central midfield – and had a good game against the newly promoted team.
Ozil - 9
The German maestro was having a spectacular season but was efficiently muzzled by Wanyama and Clasie against the Saints. It was shaping to be much the same story as Surman was deployed specifically with an eye on him, but Ozil managed to deliver the cross from a corner for Gabriel to nod home. Lead the raids on the Bournemouth goal following that, and had a goal for himself in the second half.
Walcott - 7
Injuries have forced Wenger’s hand, and Walcott has been played back in the wings after having been given a run as the main striker. After an anonymous start, he had a decent chance to score in the 24th minute. Wasted a couple of half-decent chances and really should have had his name on the scoresheet.
Ox-Chamberlain - 7
One of the four changes made by Wenger, Chamberlain finally got a start having fallen behind the hard-working Joel Campbell in the pecking order. Put in an energetic and hardworking display.
Giroud- 7
Like Mertesacker, Giroud has the capability to go completely invisible on nights, and the French hitman would have been determined to get back on song as soon as possible after the blip against Southampton. Had a decent game, and for a change provided an assist for Ozil which sealed the points for the Gunners.
Substitutes
Joel Campbell - 6.5
The Costa Rican attacker was brought on to wind down the game.
Monreal – N/A
Brought on for the last ten minutes thanks to Gibbs having an injury scare.
Alex Iwobi- N/A
Brought on to wind down the clock.
Bournemouth
Boruc- 5.5
The Bournemouth custodian had his task cut out against a talented Arsenal frontline. He didn’t have too many saves to make from open play in the first half, but had all sorts of problems from Ozil’s corner deliveries – and he almost conceded an own goal early on in the second half. He should have done better for Ozil’s goal.
Cook- 5.5
Partnering Francis in defence, Cook was at the right place at the right time to deny Walcott and Arsenal the chance to double their lead in the first half. A few decent tackles, but could not stop the Gunners from taking all three points.
Francis- 5.5
Put in a crunching tackle to deny Giroud in the penalty area around the half hour mark. A decent performance but not enough on the night as Arsenal emerged victorious.
Smith- 5.5
Tasked with keeping pacy Theo Walcott under wraps for the game, Smith created some decent chances with Ritchie in the opening quarter of the game.
Daniels- 5.5
The full-back was tested by Bellerin and Chamberlain’s pace, but his physicality was his asset. Combined well with Pugh down the left flank.
Surman- 5
The Cherries’ number 6 operated in the hole between defence and midfield, and effectively kept the dangerous Ozil quiet in the opening exchanges of the game. However, it was a day when the German was on fire, and Surman could only do so much.
Ritchie- 5.5
Talismanic winger Ritchie has missed quite a lot of action this season due to injury,\ and troubled the Arsenal defence with his interplay with Smith. Failed to really create any openings for his team in the second half.
Pugh- 5
Slotted in on the left in place of Junior Stanislaus, who scored in the famous win against United. Put in a good effort, but was taken off at half-time for Junior, with Eddie Howe looking to salvage something from the game.
Arter- 5
Put in a below-par performance as the Cherries failed to find the back of the net at the Emirates.
Gosling- 5
Was fed through-balls by his teammates but struggled to have any real impact on the game. Was substituted for Eunan O’Kane on the hour mark.
King- 5.5
The Norway international and former United youth player was rushed back into the side from injury, with Eddie Howe sensing Mertesacker’s vulnerability against pace. King caused problems with his probing runs down the bylines and darting crosses. Had to be taken off for a suspected injury.
Substitutes
Stanislas- 6
The former West Ham winger was brought on after half-time to inject some pace as Eddie Howe tried to salvage something from the game.
O’Kane- 5.5
Was brought in place of the ineffective Gosling. Having put in an impressive display against Palace, he failed to impact the game much, apart from a powerful shot which really should have earned Howe’s men a consolation goal.
Murray –N/A– Brought on during the last few minutes of the game.
