Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth – Player Ratings As Gunners Produce Epic Comeback

Arsenal came from two goals down to secure an incredible win against Bournemouth at The Emirates. Three second half goals from Thomas Partey, Ben White and substitute Reiss Nelson secured a massive win.

Mikel Arteta made three changes from the side that thumped Everton as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Fabio Vieira came into the side for Ben White and Granit Xhaka, who were both having their minutes managed, while Thomas Partey returned at the expense of Jorginho.

It took Bournemouth just nine seconds to score after they took the kick-off, raced down the field, and Philip Billing was there to tap home.

As expected, Arsenal dominated possession after going behind but couldn’t get the equalizer before halftime. Bournemouth, we were defending with two low blocks of four, were always dangerous on the counter as they held a 1-0 lead at the half.

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Bournemouth doubled their lead just 10 minutes into the second half. Marcos Senesi rose from a corner kick and headed home to give Arsenal all sorts of problems.

Arsenal got one back straight away. From a corner, the ball was headed back into the mix by Smith Rowe, and Thomas Partey snuck in at the back post and hammered home.

The Gunners dragged themselves level just minutes later as Ben White latched onto a Reiss Nelson cross at the back post and side-footed home his shot as the Emirates erupted.

Arsenal huffed and puffed and it took until the last few seconds of injury time to find the winner. From a corner, Reiss Nelson was found on the edge of the box as Bournemouth failed to clear. The winger took a touch and lashed home his shot to send the Emirates into raptures.

Here are the Player Ratings from the contest.

Goalkeepers and defenders

Ramsdale 7/10 – Not at fault for the opener and made several big saves to keep the score low early on.

Tomiyasu 6/10 – Got forward well to support Saka but never really threatened the Bournemouth backline. Replaced at half time.

Gabriel 6/10 – Solid enough for the most part for the Brazilian. Not up to his standards of late, but serviceable, nonetheless.

Saliba 6/10 – Similar to his partner in defense, a decent enough outing for Saliba without being outstanding.

Zinchenko 7/10 – His usual self, pulling the strings for the Gunners, and was a major reason for the second-half comeback.

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Midfielders

Vieira 6/10 – Buzzed around the pitch for the most part. Looked lively in certain situations but didn’t stake his claim to be a regular starter.

Partey 7/10 – The Ghanaian was solid in the middle of the pitch. Kept his team ticking over with his progressive passes.

Odegaard 7/10 – Start calling him 007 as he had a license to shoot today, as he was buzzing everywhere. Pulled the strings and was a bundle of energy. Great outing from the Gunners skipper.

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Forwards

Saka 6/10 – Held largely in check for the majority of the game. Came into it the later the game went as Arsenal chased the winner. Not to his usual standards.

Trossard 5/10 – Came off injured after just 21 minutes but did look lively early on.

Martinelli 6/10 – Again, the Brazilian was on the outer and had a couple of chances that, on another day, would have found the back of the net.

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Substitutes

Smith Rowe 6/10– Came on for Trossard and got some valuable minutes into his legs. Grabbed an assist for Partey’s goal. Subbed later in the second half as Arsenal look to manage him.

White 7/10 – Came on at halftime and provided an outlet while providing overlapping runs. A better option than Tomiyasu.

Nelson 9/10 – Provided an immediate impact off the bench and produced an assist for Ben White’s goal. Man of the Match for his assist and match winner deep into injury time.

Xhaka N/A – Came on late as the Gunners chased a winner.