armory‘S Premier League Title ambitions suffered a heavy blow at the hands of AFC BournemouthBecause the gunner died due to a shock 2-1 This is the first home defeat at the Emirates since January.
fresh from a uefa champions league victory over Sporting CP At midweek, Arsenal were hopeful that this game would strengthen their position at the top of the table. but with the goal junior croup – The first teenager to score 10 Premier League goals in a season since Robbie Keane in 1999–2000 – and excellent alex scott Bournemouth saw much of their hopes dashed.
Crupi’s goal was canceled out on 17 minutes Victor Gyokres A penalty was awarded in the 34th minute, but Arsenal struggled to gain any kind of lead throughout the game. And it was no surprise when the Scot put the visitors ahead with 16 minutes remaining.
– Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth opens the door for Man City
– Who are the 39 best under-21 players in the world right now?
– Is missing the Champions League really better for Premier League teams?
Tension spread from the pitch to the stands as Arsenal failed to break down the Cherries in search of an equaliser, and home supporters will now be questioning whether Arsenal’s recent league hiccups are set to derail a challenge that had long ago looked like a procession.
Defeat means Arsenal move nine points ahead Manchester City In premier league table Having played two games more than their title rivals, they will meet at the Etihad next weekend.
Positive
Hard to find, but at least Arsenal have time to put this result right. They already had a big trip to face Manchester City on Sunday, 19 April. This is absolutely huge now, and could dictate the direction of the title.
negativity
Can Arsenal stop their Premier League title charge? It’s a question that has refused to go away since the turn of the year and the skeptics are now becoming increasingly vocal. Manager Mikel Arteta has taken his players off work to protect them from all that outside noise.
Manager’s rating out of 10
Mikel Arteta, 5– The Arsenal manager would have seen the game close to a three-point banker, and the club made every effort to get fans into the stadium as quickly as possible. But neither Arteta’s starting lineup nor any of his changes – including three in less than 10 minutes after half-time – gave Arsenal the lead at any time during the match, leaving him and the home fans to regret a wasted opportunity.
Player Rating (0-10; 10 = Best, 5 = Average)
GK: David Raya6 — Solid enough, but also ultra-reliable spain At the international level one often feels nervous. The distribution was questionable, particularly in the second half as Arsenal struggled to create chances against tough opposition.
DF: Miles Lewis-Skelley5 — The situation looked untenable due to Bournemouth’s dominance. Struggled defensively against lively opponents and lacked his usual threat going forward. He, like his teammates, would like to put this performance behind them as soon as possible.
DF: Gabriel Magalhaes5 — The centre-back will be huge for Arsenal in the coming weeks. They may not have expected an easy afternoon, but neither could they have imagined the chaos Bournemouth caused at the Emirates.
DF: William Saliba6 — He was unlucky with the opening goal, as his deflection sent the ball straight to Crupi to score from close range. Arsenal fought back and held the visitors back for most of the remainder of the game.
DF: ben white5 — Caught out for Bournemouth’s opener and did not progress as much as the home fans or his manager would have liked. Another player missed the mark in a lackluster display from the north London title contenders.
MF: Declan Rice6 — Usually dangerous from set-pieces, particularly from a corner, troubling Bournemouth’s solid rearguard. Was busy with defensive duties for most of the first half but never stopped trying to pick up his teammates.
MF: Martin Zubimendi5 — It was not a very good afternoon for Zubimendi, who was taken out of the action as time wore on – not just because of the match but because of Arsenal’s faltering title challenge.
Family Welfare: gabriel martinelli4 — The Gunners had just seven touches of the ball in a largely forgettable first half. He was not alone in struggling against a Bournemouth team who used their high press to excellent effect. It was no surprise when he was substituted early in the second half.
Family Welfare: kai havertz4 — Not there. Germany The best international afternoon ever. Gave the ball regularly and missed free headers as Arsenal struggled in the first half. Being fortunate enough to appear again for the second period, he did not last long before being thrown out.
Family Welfare: noni maduke5 — Another member of the Arsenal front line suffered a disappointing afternoon at the Emirates. He was not at his best and struggled to find his footing in the game. Subbed off for teenager Dowman as Arteta turned things around.
CF: Victor Gyöckeres, 7 — A bright spark for the hosts. The Sweden international scored a penalty which brought Arsenal level and generally looked threatening throughout. This was fortunate, because for the first 45 minutes he was single-handedly leading the attack of the Premier League leaders. Offside was correctly ruled out in the second half.
substitute player
Eberechi Eze (Havertz, 54′), 5 — The beneficiary of Arteta’s first-ever triple-substitution, but despite flashes of creativity, he was unable to fire the comeback for his team.
leandro trossard (Martinelli, 54′), 5 — versatile belgium He had a normally reliable performance in the international, but was unable to convert the situation as Bournemouth dominated the second half.
max douman (Maduke, 54′), 6 — There is an atmosphere of excitement whenever the teenager runs onto the pitch, but expecting him to change the course of this match was too much.
gabriel jesus (Zubamendi, 76′), 4 — Arsenal were given 14 minutes to score but looked unlikely to do so.
cristian mosqueura (White, 76′), 4 — Largely ineffective as Bournemouth easily saw off their victory.
