Missing out on the chance to climb to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday evening, Arsenal slumped to a shock 2-0 loss away at Bournemouth.
Struggling to find any real kind of fluidity in the final third, things got even tougher for Mikel Arteta’s title contenders as William Saliba was shown a straight red card after dragging down Evanilson on the half-hour mark.
While Arsenal might have arrived at the Vitality having not suffered a single defeat across any competition since opening up the new campaign, it was Bournemouth who dominated large spells after returning from the half-time interval.
Watching Scotland international Ryan Christie sweep home following an intelligent set-piece routine, the Cherries doubled their advantage just nine minutes later as Justin Kluivert converted from the penalty spot.
With both Manchester City and Liverpool not set to feature until Sunday, Arsenal will be more than aware that they missed out on what was billed as a golden opportunity at the Vitality.
On an evening when Arsenal suffered a maiden Premier League defeat of the season, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the South Coast.
The Gunners seeking defensive stability
While Arsenal might have made a heavyweight Champions League statement earlier in the month as they collected a 2-0 win against French icons PSG, it is no secret that the Gunners are seeking some much-welcomed defensive steel.
Despite heading into October’s international break with a 3-1 victory against leading relegation candidates Southampton, Arteta’s side have failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous five domestic appearances across all competitions.
Likewise, the Gunners have also conceded a pair of goals in back-to-back Premier League showdowns away from the Emirates for the first time over the past 18 months.
Failing to register consecutive domestic clean sheets for the first time since the middle of August, Arsenal will also be unable to call upon one of their key defensive stars ahead of a monumental return to north London next weekend.
Shown that first-half red card after controversially dragging down Evanilson following VAR’s intervention, Saliba will now miss out against fellow Premier League heavyweights Liverpool next weekend as they French defender serves a suspension.
Bournemouth claim a heavyweight scalp
Heading into October’s international break with a 1-0 loss away at Premier League returners Leicester, Bournemouth were always bracing themselves for what was going to be a heavyweight challenge when they returned from the fortnight interval here.
However, while Andoni Iraola’s side might have lost three of their final four Premier League appearances prior to the international break, Saturday’s hosts sprung what was an almighty upset this weekend.
Despite collecting just a single point from any of their previous eight Premier League showdowns against the Gunners prior to Saturday’s battle at the Vitality, Bournemouth certainly flipped the script here.
More than deserving of maximum points on the South Coast and clearly frustrating the Gunners for large spells, the Cherries have handed themselves a major platform to build on and will be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-half charge this season.
Continuing to gain plenty of plaudits since Iraola’s arrival at the Vitality last year, Bournemouth will be next seen when they travel to Aston Villa next weekend.
No Saka, no party for Arsenal
With influential skipper Martin Odegaard yet to make a single appearance across any competition after sustaining an ankle injury while away with Norway during September’s international break, Arsenal were hit with another major blow last week.
Watching attacking talisman Bukayo Saka limp off for England after picking up a suspected muscle injury, the Gunners’ homegrown superstar missed out here and Arteta’s side struggled to fill the 23-year-old’s void.
While Arteta might have stated that Saka’s stint on the sidelines is not expected to be a lengthy one, Saturday’s guests failed to offer much of a clinical edge at the Vitality.
Notching back-to-back strikes prior to October’s international break, Saka has recorded nine direct goal contributions from his first seven Premier League appearances so far this season.
Ahead of their iconic showdown against a high-flying Liverpool next weekend, Arsenal will be desperate to get the potential PFA Player of the Year contender back and firing on all cylinders.
Match Report
Bournemouth: Kepa, Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Scott, Cook, Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara, Evanilson
Subs: Christie, Smith, Sinisterra, Kluivert, Unal
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliva, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Merino, Trossard, Sterling, Havertz
Subs: Jesus, Kiwior, Martinelli, Nwaneri
Goals: Bournemouth: Christie (70’), Kluivert (79’ P)
Yellow Cards: Bournemouth: Semenyo – Arsenal: White
Red Cards: Saliba (30’)
Referee: Rob Jones
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
