Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League and moved up to third thanks to a 1-0 win over Bournemouth, summer signing David Luiz scoring his first goal for the club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came close to breaking the deadlock with a curled long-range effort after five minutes, but it was actually Luiz who struck first thanks to a simple header
It certainly wasn't a vintage performance from either side and chances came at a premium for both sets of fans in north London, with things not improving too much after the half-time break.
The introduction of Gabriel Martinelli and Ryan Fraser brought a little more urgency to the match, but ultimately a very quiet second half petered out without any real excitement and Arsenal held on for what was just about a deserved win.
ARSENAL
Key Talking Point
Arsenal might be known for their ability on the ball, but forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Leno (7); Chambers (7), Sokratis (6), Luiz (8), Kolasinac (6); Xhaka (6), Guendouzi (8), Ceballos (7); Pepe (7), Aubameyang (7), Saka (6).
Substitutes: Martinelli (7), Willock (6), Torreira (N/A).
STAR PLAYER - Well, this is a tough one, and not for the reason that Arsenal fans would hope for.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did the ugly side of being a lone striker very well, while Mateo Guendouzi once again controlled the midfield, but match-winner David Luiz certainly stole the headlines at Emirates Stadium.
David Luiz with a goal and Nicolas Pépé with an assist. Rival fans are having a day off today
— Aubazettes (@Aubazettes) October 6, 2019
David Luiz with a decent header! That's what putting in a good corner does!! Don't think we've had a decent set piece/corner taker since Santi Cazorla!
— AFC - The 12th Man (@UpTheArsenal3) October 6, 2019
Goal! David Luiz finally doing good things
— Daddy CHO (@Chidubem_OH) October 6, 2019
Always loved that David Luiz guy
— Soapy (@MultiFIFA) October 6, 2019
The 32-year-old wasn't at his best defensively, but did offer a glimpse of his fantastic passing ability throughout the game and crucially scored the winning goal in what proved to be a hard-fought game for the Gunners.
BOURNEMOUTH
Key Talking Point
It's hardly a well-kept secret that Arsenal can be got at, but for some reason Eddie Howe set up his side to play perfectly into Arsenal's hands on Sunday.
With a starting lineup that looked like it would cause Arsenal all sorts of problems on the counter-attack, Bournemouth spent most of their time trying to build through either Harry Wilson or Dominic Solanke - as opposed to the pacey Josh King or Callum Wilson.
Slow build-up play worked wonders for a pressing Arsenal team who forced Bournemouth into mistakes, and although things did improve after the break, they basically handed the hosts all three points on a silver platter.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Ramsdale (6); Stacey (7), S. Cook (6), Ake (7), Rico (7); H. Wilson (5), Lerma (4) Billing (6), King (5); C. Wilson (4), Solanke (5).
Substitutes: Fraser (6),
STAR PLAYER - There really weren't any standout players for Eddie Howe's side, but Bournemouth's best moments did come through left-back Diego Rico.
The Spaniard showed exactly why he's already picked up two assists this season, but Rico's dangerous delivery on Sunday was let down by Bournemouth's attacking players, who all too often were lethargic in the final third.
Diego Rico MOTM so far imo. He’s been ridiculous so far.
— Matt Wittyngham (@MattWittyngham) October 6, 2019
No one really stands out for Arsenal outside of Chambers. He’s been solid
Another chance! Diego Rico whips in a cross, and Wilson just can't reach it. Much, much better. #afcb
— Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) October 6, 2019
Looking Ahead
Arsenal will travel to Sheffield United after the international break before returning to Europa League action with their changed squad at home to Vitoria, while Bournemouth will host Norwich City in two weeks time.
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Source : 90min