Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth: Player ratings as Gunners fall to swift Cherries turnaround

Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium as they failed to improve their recent poor form in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta opted to go strong against the Cherries, making just two changes to the side that fell to a 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week. Thomas Partey returned to the midfield in place of Mikel Merino while Ben White came in for Jurrien Timber at right back.

The Gunners dominated the game from the off and had some half chances but it was Bournemouth who had the first clear-cut opportunity. Milos Kerkez sent an inviting cross into the box for an unmarked Evanilson but he headed over from point-blank range.

Leandro Trossard then went close for Arsenal with his header stopped right on the line by Kepa. The Cherries had penalty appeals waved away when William Saliba made a brilliant last-ditch sliding tackle to deny Dango Ouattara a clear scoring chance.

Arteta's side found the break through just minutes later as Martin Odegaard played a well-placed pass to split the Cherries' defence for Declan Rice to take round the 'keeper before firing in. As Bournemouth hunted for a leveller, a crucial block by Saliba from a Justin Kluivert shot kept that lead intact heading into the break.

Bukayo Saka nearly made it two for the Gunners 10 minutes after the break with a darting run to cut inside before unleashing a right footed strike that flew just past Kepa's post.

With his side still behind, Andoni Iraola decided to shuffle the pack and bring on star man Antoine Semenyo, who made an instant impact. He won a throw which he subsequently played long into the box for Dean Huijsen to head past David Raya.

It didn't take the Cherries long to complete the turnaround as just eight minutes later, Marcus Tavernier flicked a corner onto the far post for Evanilson to unknowingly knock in amid a wrestle with Odegaard. A VAR check for a potential handball ensued but no wrongdoing was clear and the goal stood.

Bournemouth continued to control the game after taking the lead and managed to see it out to secure their first-ever league double over Arsenal. The defeat means the Gunners are yet to secure Champions League football for next season as their mixed form on the domestic front continues. Their failure to build momentum ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain will come as a big hinderance.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Didn't have much to do in the first half. Failed to reach Huijsen's header and then got a weak touch on Evanilson's accidental effort but couldn't keep it out.

Ben White (RB) - 6.5/10 - Defended his side well but did allow Kerkez to break in behind on a couple of occasions. Got forward at times and managed to play a dangerous cross into the box in the first half. Taken off in the final minutes.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Made a well-timed last man tackle to deny Ouattara a clear chance at goal. Was relatively solid despite the concession of two goals.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) - 6.5/10 - Battled relatively well and helped keep a dangerous Cherries attack at bay but began to struggle as the game went on.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 6.5/10 - Often came out on top in his duels with the opposition but was troubled more once Semenyo came on. Better when going forward.

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