Arsenal produced a spectacular performance to secure a 3 – 1 win over a very brilliant Eddie Howe side after both teams headed into the break with a goal apiece.
A poor pass from Cook had gifted Sanchez an opening goal but it wasn’t long before Bournemouth pulled level from the spot kick after Monreal brought Wilson down.
Walcott restored the Gunners’ lead by connecting a great header to Monreal’s cross some minutes after the restart. And try as they might, the visitors couldn’t get another goal, but they mounted more pressure on Arsenal’s defence with every attack.
Their hopes were however dashed just at the end of the match, as Giroud square-played Sanchez who buried the ball into an empty net to hand Wenger all 3 points, putting Arsenal within touching distance of table leaders Chelsea.
Below, each player’s performance is rated.
Cech
Did well to keep Arsenal in the game in the 2nd half with a reflex save and also denied Afobe a late chance. Sure played a big role in winning the side all 3 points.
Rating : 8/10
Debuchy
Spent just 15 minutes before getting replaced with Gabriel. The French rightback had started a league game for the first time since last November and was slowly getting his rhythm before pulling an hamstring.
Rating : Not Available
Mustafi
Got booked for dissent following the controversial penalty call.
Nevertheless, it was another solidly assuring performance at the back from the German, with Wilson finding it hard to go past him. He also acted as cover for Gabriel at right back.
Rating : 7/10
Koscielny
A clean sheet, and it would have been a 5-star performance from the skipper who made sure the visitors didn’t get much chances from open play as he cleared and intercepted at the back all game.
Rating : 8/10
Monreal
Made up for his mistake in the visitors’ goal with an assist that put Arsenal in front.
Had a great game going forward and was also solid at the back to keep King in check.
Rating : 7/10
Elneny
Tireless and energetic performance from the the Egyptian who also attempted some efforts at the visitors’ goal.
Made a lot of runs and battled to win lost balls back.
Rating : 7/10
Xhaka
Kept a cool head as he probably was wary not to get booked. It didn’t stop him from tackling tough, though, while he also made some meaningful attacking contributions.
Rating : 7/10
Walcott
His goal was great, and it helped calm nerves as Bournemouth pushed for a 2nd goal. Didn’t play in the best of crosses into the opposition box, though.
Rating : 7/10
Ozil
Had a hand in the buildup to Arsenal’s 2nd and 3rd goals.
A brilliant all-round display from him, and the Gunners just never have a bad day whenever he is in good form like he was on Sunday.
Rating : 8/10
Oxlade-Chamberlain
His speed caused all sorts of troubles for the visiting team and he might have done enough to earn another start next league game.
The speedster is already looking like a potential permanent starter going by his recent performances.
Rating : 7/10
Sanchez
The Chilean took his tally to 8 goals in the Premier League with his brace, and his performance and work-rate were just superb.
He could just be the reason for Gunners to win the league this term.
Rating : 9/10
SUBSTITUTES
Gabriel
Came on as Debuchy’s replacement but struggled most of the time.
Rating : 5/10
Ramsey
Couldn’t make much of the little playing time afforded him.
Rating : Unavailable
Giroud
Assisted the goal that put the result beyond doubt to continue his impact off the bench.
Rating : Unavailable