Arsenal managed to reestablish themselves as favourites with a comfortable 2-0 victory over top-flight newbies Bournemouth. Given the fact that they were drubbed 4-0 by Southampton only days earlier, a starting eleven comprising the likes of Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sent shockwaves through the Gunners’ fanbase. Arsene Wenger’s men, however, emerged victorious, with surprising displays from those who were expected to underachieve.
Petr Cech – 7.5
The 33-year-old guardian finally broke the Premier League record for the most number of clean sheets. He did not have much to do as he denied Joshua King twice before cozily catching a hit and hope effort from Matt Ritchie.
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Hector Bellerin – 7
The Spaniard entertained with his trademark runs and made the right flank vibrant with the aid of fellow-speedster Theo Walcott but, did seem to be worn out. Arsene Wenger should consider resting him for the Newcastle United game.
Per Mertesacker – 6.5
The German giant was not as horrible as he was against a physical Southampton side, however, did not match the expectations of the fans as he looked sloppy and unaggressive at times.
Gabriel Paulista – 8.5
The Brazilian defender was the best Arsenal player on the pitch only to Mesut Ozil and should be playing more often than his gigantic colleague. Bagging a goal should have given him the confidence that the Arsenal captain should have lost when Shane Long made him look silly.
Kieran Gibbs – 6.5
The Arsenal academy product never put a foot wrong, but failed to give reasons to make his manager bench Nacho Monreal against the Magpies on Saturday afternoon. Perhaps, the big teams are just not for English blokes.
Calum Chambers – 7.5
The Southampton starlet was more of a surprise inclusion, but he managed to ensure his manager escaped stupid criticisms with a no-nonsense display. However, he may have to make a quick decision as starting one game at right-back and the next in midfield at this age might hamper his progress.
Aaron Ramsey – 7
The Welsh international had to sit back to prevent his midfield partner Calum Chambers but showed immense passion. With Francis Coquelin next to him, we may finally be able to see the Aaron Ramsey, who scored for fun.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
The 22-year-old winger put in a shift but, at this rate, we may never be able to see the Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain he was believed to become. It’s high time he rolled up his sleeves.
Corner kicks have not been the Gunners’ biggest strength, but every time he took those, Arsenal seemed to be scoring. On another day, he may have bagged at least three assists.
Theo Walcott – 7
Theo Walcott was full of promising forward runs and determination but, much to his dismay, did not make the score-sheet. Arsenal fans were forced to believe him not being prolific was down to fatigue.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
To not find the so-called lamppost on the score-sheet has become a rarity lately. The French striker assisted who always helps him score for the second Arsenal goal.