ARSENAL’S title bid took a hammer blow as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth.
‘s side looked tiresome and void of ideas for the majority of the game as they opened the door to allow Manchester City back into the title race.
Arsenal’s title challenge took a huge stumble as they lost at homeCredit: Getty
Bournemouth shocked the league leaders with a 2-1 winCredit: Getty
Goals from Eli Kroupi Junior and Alex Scott either side of a penalty meant the Cherries took all three points back to the south coast.
remain nine points clear at the top of the table, but City can cut that to six with a win over tomorrow afternoon.
The Gunners have lost three of their last four outings, and will be hoping their season isn’t on the brink of collapse.
Here’s how SunSport Arsenal reporter Joshua Hall rated each indivual performance…
DAVID RAYA – 6
A few rare mistakes for the goalkeeper, who has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season.
He was very lucky not to give away a goal on two occasions when he misplaced passes out from the back.
Still made a few important saves, though.
David Raya made some uncharacteristic mistakes with the ball at his feetCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
BEN WHITE – 5
His insistence on taking the best part of a minute to take a throw-in, not only frustrated the Arsenal fans inside the Emirates, but also slowed the Gunners down at times.
He was also completely unaware of Adrien Truffert ghosting in behind him to set up Bournemouth’s opener.
There were some bright moments in the second half, but White has struggled to fill Jurrien Timber’s shoes of late.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Another solid showing from the Frenchman, who is always so calm when the ball comes in his direction.
His aerial ability has become so important to the way Arsenal stunt opposition attacks, too.
William Saliba was one of Arsenal’s better performersCredit: Getty
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
It was largely unfortunate that the ball deflected off the Brazilian’s toe to tee up Bournemouth’s opener.
He, like Saliba, never really has an off-game, but it was his clearance that gave Bournemouth the ball back for their second goal too.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7
Just a second Premier League start of the season for the full-back, who was last in the starting XI for a league game in December.
You would be forgiven for thinking he might struggle by being thrown back in, but he put in very solid performance.
Some nice interceptions and drives through midfield.
Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in only his second Premier League start of the seasonCredit: AFP
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 4
When a team is as organised in their press as Bournemouth are, you need a player who can break lines and take risks to bring their team forward.
Zubimendi wasn’t able to do that today, with having to drop in and link things up for the most part.
The Spaniard was also holding onto the ball for far too long at time, slowing Arsenal down and inviting pressure.
He was guilty of letting Alex Scott drift behind him for Bournemouth’s winner, too.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Given the captain’s armband for today’s fixture, despite Gabriel starting the game, and he put in a captain’s performance to go with it.
When Arsenal went 1-0 down, Rice was the man that wanted the ball and that was trying to carry his team forward.
You always get 100 per cent from Rice, but right now he looks like his running on an empty tank.
Declan Rice put in a captain’s performanceCredit: Getty
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
When Havertz is chosen in midfield it often leaves a gaping Odegaard or Eze sized hole in the Arsenal team.
Although technically secure, his skillset lends itself better to playing as a centre-forward.
He certainly still looks like he isn’t at full fitness yet.
NONI MADUEKE – 4
Was unable to make an impact from wide areas, and took too long to whip in any balls for a hungry Viktor Gyokeres in the middle.
His dancing feet are impressive, but he needs to add some consistent output to his game.
He was also equally as guilty as for leaving Truffert open in the build up to Bournemouth’s opener.
Noni Madueke was unable to convert any of his possession into real threatCredit: AP
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5
Similarly to Madueke, the Brazilian was taking too long to play balls into the box.
Gyokeres is so often bursting into the area, but if the balls don’t come, he won’t be able to score from them.
Replaced by Trossard before the hour mark.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 7
A constant threat down the the channels when Arsenal had the ball in midfield.
As well as making countless runs into the box without any winger being able to find him with a cross.
Took his penalty really well to spark Arsenal into life in the game.
But he had to do better when the ball fell to him inside the box later on in the second half.
Viktor Gyokeres scored from the spot to bring Arsenal levelCredit: Getty
SUBSTITUTES
EBERE EZE (for Havertz, 54mins) – 7
Not only was Eze looking to drive Arsenal forward when he came on, but he also put ina defensive shift.
A welcome return after picking up an injury against in the before the international break.
MAX DOWMAN (for Madueke, 54mins) – 7
Always bright and confident on the ball. You have to wonder whether Arteta needs to start playing him from the start.
LEANDRO TROSSARD (for Martinelli, 54mins) – 6
Brilliant block to deny Bournemouth another goal, but couldn’t provide a decisive moment at the other end.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA (for White, 76mins) – N/A
GABRIEL JESUS (for Zubimendi, 76mins) – N/A
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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