EPL 2017/18, Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth: 5 Talking Points

#3. Wenger sticks to his guns with back three

Wenger stuck to his guns

The comprehensive nature of Arsenal’s loss to Liverpool before the international break meant many expected Wenger to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation here. Instead, the Gunners boss stuck to his guns and retained the 3-4-2-1 setup he has used since winning against Middlesbrough last April, a decision which was vindicated by his team’s dominant performance.

Laurent Koscielny was his usual commanding self in the heart of the backline, with Nacho Monreal and the returning Shkodran Mustafi equally solid on either side of the Frenchman. Xhaka and Ramsey were a great deal sturdier in the engine room, meanwhile, although doubts remain about their suitability as a midfield pairing in the bigger games.

Indeed, although Wenger will have been delighted with his side’s showing on Saturday, he should be fully aware that there are tougher tests to come – starting with the trip to champions Chelsea next weekend.