3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s incredible Bournemouth comeback win

After going two goals down to Bournemouth, with the Cherries scoring their first after just nine seconds, Arsenal produced an incredible comeback to secure a last-gasp 3-2 victory. 

It was a game with highs and lows for the Gunners – disbelief after Gary O’Neil’s side scored their second, to pure joy when Reiss Nelson smashed home the winner to maintain our five-point advantage over Manchester City.

3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s incredible Bournemouth comeback win

Before we get into it, however, it is worth noting that refereeing will not be spoken about in this piece, and instead, the negatives will focus on things Mikel Arteta and the players can control – although there were yet more poor decisions that went against us in this game.

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Positive #1: impact from the bench

With Gabriel Jesus still injured and Eddie Nketiah also missing from the matchday squad, it appeared as though Arteta would struggle to make attacking substitutions to influence the game. Leandro Trossard being forced off early through injury seemingly made matters worse.

However, the three substitutions the boss made – Benjamin White, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson – all played direct roles in the team’s resurgence. Smith Rowe registered the assist for Thomas Partey’s goal, while White scored our equaliser. Then Nelson, the match winner, scored and assisted in what was a fine performance by the Hale End academy product.

It’s not the first time the 23-year-old has produced from the bench either, with the winger also netting a brace earlier in the season against Nottingham Forest in a 5-0 victory. Squad depth has long been a worry for this Arsenal team, but so far, the fringe players have proved they have what it takes to make an impact.

Negative #1: Leandro Trossard’s injury

As mentioned, the Belgian was forced off early in the first half through injury, which is hugely concerning. He was one of our brightest sparks in the game’s early stages and has been performing well in his new false nine role.

Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted the injury was a concern.

"“It is a worry. He came to me straight away and told me he could not continue because he’d felt something when he was tracking back after the corner. We have to assess him and see how he is.”"

The 28-year-old has been in fine form, and we can only pray that his injury is not a serious one as his absence, especially long-term, would be a significant blow.

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