Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth: Martin Odegaard shines as Kai Havertz gets lift-off | OneFootball

ai Havertz scored his first goal for Arsenal as the Gunners beat Bournemouth to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to one point.

The German scored Arsenal’s third goal on their way to a 4-0 win, slotting a penalty after Martin Odegaard had been fouled.

Mikel Arteta’s side were already cruising by that point after going 2-0 up before half-time thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Odegaard.

Saka nodded home a header from a few years and Odegaard scored a penalty, which had been won by Eddie Nketiah. Arsenal added a fourth in injury-time through Ben White.

Simon Collings was at the Vitality Stadium to see Arsenal in action…

Didn’t really have masses to do, but was neat and tidy – especially when claiming crosses. Distribution was decent and opened Bournemouth up with one great pass in the first-half.

Not at his best early on, but improved as the game went on. Got on the scoresheet late on as he headed home from an Odegaard free-kick.

Made an excellent tackle early on to deny Dominic Solanke when the striker had been put through and the game was 0-0. Never looked flustered on the ball. A Rolls-Royce of a defender.

Like his centre-back partner, the Brazilian was solid in defence and made some big blocks. Bounced back well after being out of the team earlier this season.

Involved in a lot of Arsenal’s good play and helped win their first penalty by playing in Nketiah. Unlucky not to score on a few occasions.

Martin Odegaard 8 | Star player

A goal and two assists for the captain. Slotted a penalty just before half-time, sending Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto the wrong way. Won the second penalty after being clattered in the box and setup the fourth goal, too.

Another excellent performance at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. Calm in possession and shut down any rare Bournemouth attacks by covering so much ground.

Off the mark for Arsenal after scoring a penalty. Didn’t look like he was going to take it until Saka handed him the ball. Will hope it is a turning point for him.

Opened the scoring by tapping home a header from a few yards out. Concern for Arsenal, though, as he went off limping yet again.

Won the first penalty for Arsenal by linking up well with Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left flank. Started slowly but grew into the game.

So nearly opened the scoring when his header hit the post, but Saka was there to tap in the rebound. Went close again in the second-half when moved up top.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Zinchenko 69’) 6

On at left-back and was solid for his 20 minutes or so.

Reiss Nelson (Nketiah 69’) 6

A quiet cameo against Bournemouth after his heroics last season.

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