IT wasn’t quite the dream start Mikel Arteta wanted, but he’ll have to take a point in a promising start as manager.
Arsenal were saved by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 63rd minute strike cancelling out Dan Gosling’s opener in the 35th minute as they drew 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
Mikel Arteta had to settle for a point as Arsenal drew 1-1 with BournemouthCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Gunners dominated possession, and had 17 goal attempts, but in truth were wasteful in front of goal – with just two shots on target.
But it’s a better performance from Arsenal, who showed signs that they can improve under their new Spanish boss.
Jon Boon watched the game, here’s his player ratings…
BERND LENO 7
The Arsenal stopper could be in for a shout for their player of the season.
He made a couple of decent saves in the first half to keep his side in the game.
Leno has really made the No1 jersey his own.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES 6
Starting to look more comfortable at right back.
Aside from a clumsy tackle that got a deserved booking, he looked sound at the back.
Still needs to get forward more though and support the attack.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saved the Gunners with a 63rd minute equaliserCredit: Getty – Contributor
BUKAYO SAKA 6
Offered a very decent attacking threat on the left-hand side in a wing-back role.
Again, final ball was his downfall. But in the first half he looked the Gunners best hope of a breakthrough.
Saka really is a star in the making.
SOKRATIS 6
Got a nasty head injury that forced him off after 77 minutes.
Otherwise, looked a little sluggish dealing with Josh King at times and wasn’t tested by Callum Wilson.
Arteta might look elsewhere for a centre half and can do better than the Greek international.
DAVID LUIZ 6
The Brazilian was comfortable on the ball, as always, and did little wrong.
Arsenals defensive frailties cost them again in their 1-1 draw with BournemouthCredit: EPA
Won some important headers in his own box and provided the springboard for Arsenal’s superior possession.
LUCAS TORREIRA 6
Nothing exciting from the Uruguayan, but a tireless performance all the same and broke up play well.
Seems to be less gung-ho, and is playing in his preferred position of defensive midfield, although got a booking with a late tackle.
Maybe the best is yet to come from Torreira under Arteta.
GRANIT XHAKA 6
Looked rejuvenated under Arteta.
Played in a deeper role, and sprayed the ball across field to teammates.
Couple of instances where he gave the ball away, but was tidier today in possession.
Alexandre Lacazette was wasteful in front of goal and looks short of confidenceCredit: AFP or licensors
MESUT OZIL 6
Showed flashes of brilliance, and will always be the man that’ll make this Arsenal side tick.
Couple of through balls of note that showed his elegance on the ball.
Was subbed after 74 minutes after tiring from an injury
REISS NELSON 6
Was dangerous throughout, providing good runs on the right.
However, was a little wasteful when it came to his final ball and got caught out the other end a few times.
Did provide Aubameyang’s assist for the equaliser.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG 7
Arsenal’s saviour once again.
The Gabon striker fired in the Arsenal equaliser in the 63rd minute, and was the Gunners’ most dangerous player.
Where would Arsenal be without this man?
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE 5
He really is struggling at the moment.
The Frenchman’s lack of form in front of goal was evident today.
Missed opportunities, poor touches and lack of killer instinct show Lacazette is in desperate need of a goal.
SUBS:
JOE WILLOCK 4 (ON FOR OZIL 74)
Came on for Ozil, was asked to do more defensive work in a deeper role.
Offered energy, gave some tidy passes and broke into the box when he could.
But didn’t have long to influence proceedings.
SHKODRAN MUSTAFI 4 (ON FOR SOKRATIS 77)
The out-of-favour German came on for the injured Sokratis.
Wasn’t really threatened in the end with the Gunners enjoying more possession and pushing for a winner.
Will he still be at the Arsenal by the end of January?
NICOLAS PEPE 4 (ON FOR NELSON 81)
Brought on with 10 minutes to go to provide a spark and a winner.
Was brought down to earth four minutes into his game by a crunching tackle.
The knee knock seemed to knock the stuffing out of him and his game petered out.
Mikel Arteta completes first deal as Arsenal boss as he ties youngster Harry Clarke to new long-term contract
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
