- William Saliba’s reckless red card
- Bournemouth’s supersubs
- David Raya’s off day
Arsenal missed out on the chance to go top of the Premier League, as a William Saliba red card condemned them to a shock 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.
The Gunners started the game lively before a misplaced pass from Leandro Trossard left Bournemouth striker Evanilson in on goal, with Saliba making the decision to take him out. Initially a yellow, VAR upgraded it to a red.
From here on Arsenal could not get out of their own half, with the Cherries constantly knocking on the door. Second-half substitutes, Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie added the pressure, before the two combined for Christie to hit the top corner and give them the lead.
The pressure continued and Evanilson was through on goal again, this time it was David Raya’s turn to take the Brazilian forward down. Justin Kluivert stepped up, and calmly slotted home, condemning Arsenal to their first Premier League defeat of the season.
Bournemouth Player Ratings
Evanilson caused endless problems
Evanilson ran rings around the Arsenal defence, whilst Lewis Cook ran the show in midfield.
Super-subs Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie mopped up the goals, to complete a solid performance from the Cherries on the South Coast.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6.0
Wasn’t particularly tested by Arsenal, and following the red card, almost had a night off.
Julian Aroujo – 6.0
Looked positive going forward, but hooked at half-time for what looks like an injury.
Illia Zabarnyi – 6.5
A quiet, yet solid defensive performance.
Marcos Senesi – 7.0
The better of the Bournemouth defensive patnership.
Milos Kerkez – 7.5
A menace going forward, bullying Ben White from the first whistle.
Lewis Cook – 8.0
Ran the strings in midfield. Wears the Captains armband and looks plays like it belongs to him.
Alex Scott – 7.0
Mopped up everything Cook couldn’t. All round solid performance.
Dango Ouattara – 6.5
Slowly got into the game in the second-half. Looked at his best moments before he was taken off.
Marcus Tavenier – 6.5
An almost identical performance to Ouatarra, picked up pace as his Manager made a decision to change things.
Antoine Semenyo – 6.0
Missed a huge chance and just unfortunately wasn’t his night.
Evanilson – 8.0
Ran the show up top, caused Saliba to make his red card challenge, before winning the penalty in the second-half.
Subs
- Adam Smith – 6.5
- Justin Kluivert – 8.5
- Ryan Christie – 8.0
- Luis Sinisterra – 6.5
Arsenal Player Ratings
William Saliba red card gifts Cherries rare win
William Saliba’s red card left Arsenal in no mans land, as Bournemouth took advantage of an injury stricken Gunners.
The normally reliable David Raya looked off the pace, whilst Kai Havertz couldn’t create a chance on goal and Ben White was on the back foot from the first minute.
David Raya – 4.5
Looked off the pace from the start. Gave away the ball very uncharacteristically a few times before taking out Evanilson for the penalty.
Riccardo Caliafiori – 6.0
The best of the Arsenal back line, kept the Bournemouth wingers under control for as long as he could.
Gabriel – 5.5
Looked lost after the Saliba red card, and never seemed to regain his confidence.
William Saliba – 3.0
Cost his team in this game. Maybe a dubious red card, but arguably a challenge he didn’t need to make.
Ben White – 5.0
Was put on strings for most of the game, the added numbers just overran him.
Mikel Merino – 6.5
Looked composed and confident on the ball, his style of play ended up being a casualty when tactics changed.
Declan Rice – 6.5
Did the best he could given the circumstances, but like White, got overran.
Thomas Partey – 5.5
A none factor in the midfield, didn’t see the ball much.
Leandro Trossard – 5.0
Was the first to be hooked in the second-half. Arsenal needed pace, and it’s not something he has.
Kai Havertz – 5.0
Service dried up very quickly and getting the ball was hard to come by for Havertz.
Raheem Sterling – 4.5
Never had a chance to make an impact before being swapped for a defender.
Subs
- Jakub Kiwior – 5.5
- Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5
- Ethan Nwaneri – 5.0
- Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5
-
Tags:
Leave a Comment