Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: 5 things we learned – It’s not even surprising anymore

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Eddie Howe, Manager of AFC Bournemouth embraces Jack Wilshere of Arsenal after the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Arsenal travelled to Bournemouth as they returned to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon. Here are five things we learned from the 2-1 loss.

It’s difficult to know where to start. Arsenal, in a state of predictable pathetic-ness, succumbed to a 2-1 away loss against Bournemouth. Without Alexis Sanchez because of mismanagement, they then failed to see out yet another second-half lead because of mismanagement. This game was emblematic of all of the Gunners’ problems in recent seasons: defensive mishaps; naive, green, downright dumb players; a mediocre team that has been clouded because of one or two individuals.

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So here are five things we learned. I warn you, they’re not pretty.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Callum Wilson of AFC Bournemouth scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

5. Game management comes back to bite

Arsenal have won just one game in their last five Premier League fixtures. They have drawn three and lost one. That is not a record that suggests they have the ability and consistency to challenge in the race for the top four. But what is even more damning is the flow of all of those games.

Arsenal had a second-half lead in all four of the games that they failed to win — draws against Liverpool, West Brom and Chelsea; Sunday’s loss to Bournemouth. Now, in the some of those games they did not necessarily deserve that lead. Against Liverpool, for example, it was a blistering five-minute period that brought them what seemed like an extremely unlikely advantage that came out of nowhere.

But a team with a greater resolve, experience, and game-intelligence would have protected those leads. Arsenal dropped nine points in those four games. Those nine points would put the Gunners in second. These are the same old problems that repeatedly occur. I have no confidence in them ending any time soon.