Bournemouth
Adam Federici – 5.5/10
The goalkeeper didn’t do anything noteworthy during the game. He didn’t make a single meaningful save and at times looked suspect during Arsenal set-pieces in the first half.
Simon Francis – 6/10
A yellow card within the first ten minutes meant that Bournemouth’s skipper was walking a tightrope for a majority of the game. Although he did put in a few quality crosses going forward, his struggles against the pace of Oxlade-Chamberlain was inevitable.
Steve Cook – 5/10
An early booking and a terrible mistake to gift Arsenal the opener sums up a forgettable game for Cook.
Nathan Ake – 7.5/10
The on-loan Chelsea man made two crucial blocks in the opening 10 minutes and put the ball on a plate for Adam Smith to put the Cherries in front, only for him to unbelievably miss the target. He had a fantastic game at centre-back, matching the pace of Arsenal’s frontmen and making crucial clearances. He couldn’t personally be faulted for any of Arsenal’s goals.
Brad Smith – 6/10
The Cherries’ debutant was given a stern examination of an in-form Walcott’s pace and intensity. He waned as the game progressed and was later taken off.
Dan Gosling – 6/10
Gosling had a good 75 minutes, putting in tackles aplenty to foil Arsenal’s attacks. However, frustration seemed to have crept in during the latter stages thanks to Arsenal’s substitutes authorising proceedings. The fouls started piling up and he earned a booking as well.
Harry Arter – 6.5/10
The long-serving midfielder was industrious in midfield, completing most of his passes to help Bournemouth exert pressure on Arsenal at various periods in the first half and early in the second half. He was the recipient of a bad tackle by Alexis Sanchez, which reduced his impact on the game significantly in the final half hour.
Adam Smith – 5/10
Smith missed a glorious opportunity to put Bournemouth 2-1 up on 26 minutes, heading a perfectly placed cross by Ake over the bar when unmarked and only the keeper to beat. He showed a lot of appetite to press Arsenal from the wing and occasionally swapped positions with King to unsettle Arsenal’s sitting midfielders.
Joshua King – 6/10
He looked promising in a number 10 role during spells of Bournemouth possession. A number of attempted dribbles and a hopeful shot at goal gave Arsenal’s backline a worrying moment or two. However, like most of his teammates, he was unable to maintain the intensity that characterised Bournemouth’s first half as the game wore on.
Junior Stanislas – 6.5/10
Stanislas found a lot of joy whipping in balls and making constant runs down the wing in the first half. He was another of Bournemouth’s attacking prospects who looked promising in the early stages, but failed to maintain the same level in the second half.
Callum Wilson – 7/10
He converted the penalty controversially won by himself to score Bournemouth’s first ever Premier League goal against Arsenal. He was the focal point of Bournemouth’s attack as he held the ball up well and even got a shot or two away to keep Petr Cech alert.
Substitutes
Benik Afobe – 4/10
The striker missed a glorious chance to put Eddie Howe’s men level, seeing his shot well saved by Petr Cech. Apart from that, he had a muted contribution.
Jordon Ibe – 6/10
The young winger was lively since coming on, using his fleet-footedness to cut in from the right wing. Unfortunately, his trickery reaped no reward for Bournemouth.
Lys Mousset – 5/10
The 20-year old made no meaningful impact for the 10-odd minutes he was on the pitch. A cross from the left which evaded its target was all he could offer.
