Arsenal maintained their 100% record as they secured another victory on the road, with Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus shining.
Arsenal put in another dominant performance to secure their third victory in as many games this season, as the Gunners moved to the top of the table, defeating Bournemouth 3-0. Gabriel Jesus, without a goal to his name, produced a solid performance, as Martin Odegaard and William Saliba got their name on the scoresheet.
Saliba’s goal, in particular, was applauded as the defender produced a brilliant effort in the second half after Odegaard had scored a brace in the first ten minutes of the first half to put the game beyond Bournemouth’s reach early on.
After brilliant work from Jesus in the build-up, the Brazilian slipped the ball to Gabriel Martinelli, who saw his shot saved. The rebound fell invitingly for Odegaard to tap home the opener. The Norwegian was then grateful for Jesus once more, as he finished the shot the striker set up for himself.
Overall, Arsenal retained total control throughout the game. Barring a few misplaced passes, Arsenal never gave Bournemouth any sniff at Aaron Ramsdale’s goal. The third goal came in the second half courtesy of a well-worked corner routine. Saliba was in the right place on edge to smash home a curler with his weaker foot. This was only the second senior goal of the defender’s career, one he will remember for some time now.
Jesus saw a goal disallowed for being in an offside position and later saw a shot saved by Mark Travers, who was also called into action to stop Eddie Nketiah from scoring. In the end, Mikel Arteta will be happy to see his team on top of the league, where he hopes they remain for a long time. Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their comfortable win over Bournemouth.
Aaron Ramsdale – 7/10
Ramsdale had a comfortable return to his old club, as the defence in front did a formidable job of protecting him. The keeper was composed whenever he was called into action, with Keiffer Moore’s wide header the only real threat he faced, in addition to a few curling corners.
Ben White – 7/10
Ben White was again solid in the right-back role and was involved in the build-up to the second goal. He proved to be a good outlet on the right side whenever Arsenal looked to attack from that flank. Defensively, he was sound and could sniff out any potential danger.
William Saliba – 8/10
William Saliba vs. Bournemouth:
100% pass accuracy
100% shot accuracy
100% long ball accuracy
83 touches
75 passes completed
5x possession won
2 clearances
2 tackles
2 interceptions
2 duels won
1 shot
1 goalWhat a performance. ??
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) August 20, 2022
There were no signs of nerve or sloppiness following the own goal against Leicester, with Saliba putting in another imperious performance. With the fans chanting his name via a new song, the defender capped off a fantastic display with a terrific goal, his first in an Arsenal shirt.
Gabriel – 8/10
Yet another sound performance from Gabriel. The defender was as solid as his other backline members. The Brazilian tended to play on the front foot all the time and provided with the high line that Arteta always craves from his centre-backs.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 8/10
Zinchenko continues to excel in an Arsenal shirt, as the left-back again played in multiple roles and showcased his versatility. He already looks like a formidable acquisition and seems like a bargain considering what Arsenal paid for the 25-year-old.
Thomas Partey – 7/10
Partey cut out the sloppy passes from the last game and produced a more controlled performance against Bournemouth. His passing and distribution were on point and provided the perfect screen for his defence, winning many second balls.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5/10
Xhaka is truly excelling in the attacking role Arteta is playing him this season. Got his name on the assist sheet once more, as he turned provider for that sensational strike by Saliba. The Swiss star is showing signs of improvement in this new role.
Martin Odegaard – 9/10
Gabby Jesus build up play & Odegaard slotting it in ??pic.twitter.com/TVrvyYfsqr
— Sub2TempoHD (@AFCTempo) August 20, 2022
The Arsenal captain opened his account for the season with a well-deserved brace. He’s not the kind of player who will rue not scoring a hat-trick, but still, there is more to come from the Norwegian this season, who will be hoping to get on the scoresheet more regularly.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Saka is yet to open his scoring account this term, but the winger put in another impactful performance on the right-hand side. He did have a big hand in the second goal, but the significant change in Arsenal’s style has been their reliance on the left-hand side of the pitch, which is in contrast from last season.
Gabriel Jesus – 8/10
Arsenal’s new No. 9 continues to impress with his displays, although he will feel unfortunate to see a second-half strike disallowed for being offside. Jesus produced a solid performance with a big hand in both first-half goals. He got his name on the assist sheet for Odegaard’s second.
Fair to say Arsenal strategy has been smart. They wanted Vlahović in Jan, it collapsed – had chance to sign 5/6 strikers offered but Edu and Arteta only wanted Gabriel Jesus. ⚪️? #AFC
Decision was to wait, save money and put efforts on GJ for June.
£45m fee – seems worth it! pic.twitter.com/wvIp9JKmti
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2022
Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10
Martinelli seemed to have forgotten his shooting boots today, as many of the shots taken were off target. Yet the winger worked very hard and played a role in the opening goal after Travers parried his goal-bound shot away.
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6/10
Tomiyasu got more minutes under his belt as the Japan international once again replaced Ben White. There’s still plenty of time before the right-back becomes a starter again, as Arteta may not change his current side that has won three consecutive games.
Eddie Nketiah – 6/10
Nketiah replaced Saka and provided some energy in the attack. Had one shot saved by Travers and will be satisfied with more minutes on the pitch.
Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10
Like the other substitutes, Smith Rowe will be satisfied with more minutes under his belt, and the attacker kept control of proceedings in the final third. He saw a late effort comfortably saved by Travers.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 5/10
He replaced Xhaka and helped see the game out.
Kieran Tierney – 5/10
Tierney was afforded ten minutes, although the left-back was playing out of position with Zinchenko still on the pitch.
