Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: 5 things we learned – Welcome back, Eddie Nketiah

By Andrew Dowdeswell

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans following the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans following the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

2. The Arteta effect

For those that were not sure what would happen when Arsenal hired a rookie 37-year-old head coach who had never led a team in his life, the first month of his tenure will certainly have calmed any concerns. Mikel Arteta has made an excellent start to life as the Gunners head coach and this was just another example of the impact he is having on the team.

The 2-3-5 shape in possession caused Bournemouth fits. Granit Xhaka’s hybrid left-back role suited him perfectly, while Bukayo Saka exploited high more advanced position, linking up with Gabriel Martinelli superbly. The high press was again working in full effect, the ball moved quicker than ever, and Arteta even had time to complain about his team’s passing in his post-match interview.

In all, Arsenal have lost just one game under Arteta, and that was one when they dominated for 30 minutes and only squandered in the final ten minutes. They have enjoyed imperious periods in every match, showed progress in almost every aspect of their performance, and now have genuine and significant hope for the future. The Arteta effect is in full-flight.