Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as Cherries end Gunners' unbeaten start

Arsenal fell to their first defeat of the 2024/25 season as they were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on what was a horrid outing for the Gunners.

Arsenal, who were without Bukayo Saka, donned baby blue for the first time this season, but their aesthetic was the best thing about their first-half performance as they struggled to get out of first gear at the Vitality. Mikel Arteta's side were intriguing but ultimately ponderous in the build-up phase, with the team's technical level miles off what it needed to be.

Arsenal's first half sloppiness was epitomised by Leandro Trossard's horrible back pass which got William Saliba into trouble. With Evanilson racing in behind, Saliba panicked and brought down the Brazilian which eventually warranted a red card following VAR intervention.

And thus, for the third time in eight Premier League games, Arsenal were forced to play much of the contest with ten men.

Mikel Merino came close for the visitors after Saliba's dismissal, while David Raya was called into action on several occasions to keep the scores level at half-time.

Antoine Semenyo immediately spurned a glorious opportunity for the hosts after the restart, but Arsenal dug in thereafter and limited the number of high-quality openings Bournemouth were able to fashion. The next big moment arrived at the other end after Kepa Arrizabalaga handed possession to Merino who teed up substitute Gabriel Martinelli, but the Brazilian's effort was saved by the Cherries keeper.

Martinelli was then made to pay by the hosts, who eventually took the lead thanks to a canny corner routine rounded off by an emphatic Ryan Christie finish. Jakub Kiwior thought he'd be the next to under-hit a pass and crucify his side as his awful attempt back to Raya was pounced upon by Evanilson, who was subsequently brought down by the Arsenal keeper inside the box.

Justin Kluivert made no mistake from 12 yards to double Bournemouth's lead and seal all three points for the hosts.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Saturday's defeat.

Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 4.5/10 - This was more 2023/24 Raya than 2024/25 Raya. He didn't exude calm, and had a couple of odd moments.

Ben White (RB) - 5/10 - Great to see White back in the XI, but there was a hint of rust. The returning right-back bit a couple of times and was skinned by Dango Ouattara and Semenyo as a result.

William Saliba (CB) - 4/10 - Look, it is what it is. He was shafted by Trossard and some would suggest his dismissal was harsh. His absence for Liverpool is a big blow.

Gabriel (CB) - 6/10 - The captain on the day in the absence Saka and Martin Odegaard, Arsenal needed him more than ever after Saliba was sent off. He started well, but there was little he could do to prevent the eventual result.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 6/10 - Calafiori performed a more traditional left-back function even before Arsenal were reduced to ten. The Italian defended the back post pretty well for the most part, but we didn't get to see Calafiori spread his wings in this one.

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