MIKEL ARTETA’S first game in charge of Arsenal ended in a 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth in a game the visitors were unlucky not to win.
The Gunners spurned a number of chances throughout the match, but for the second Boxing Day in a row, failed to get the three points on the road.
Dan Gosling opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the 35th minute at the Vitality StadiumCredit: EPA
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised in the 63rd minute with a finish from close rangeCredit: AFP or licensors
Despite the Arsenal’s dominance in the first half, it was the Cherries that took the lead thanks to Dan Gosling’s second goal in his last three games.
The former Everton midfielder tapped home from close range after beating Lucas Torreira to right-back Jack Stacey’s cut back from the byline in the 35th minute.
It was an impressive response from the visitors who kept on plugging forward, with Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka making attacking passes at will.
And it was from a superb Xhaka pass that Arsenal got back on level terms as he played in Aubameyang, who in turn found Nelson with a low cross.
The ex-Hoffenheim loanee’s strike then deflected into the path of Aubameyang, who tucked home into the bottom left corner in the 63rd minute.
Alexandre Lacazette then almost put the North Londoners ahead moments later after being expertly picked out by David Luiz’s through ball.
But just as it looked like the net was about to ripple, centre-back Chris Mepham got across to block the ball away for a corner.
There was more injury woe for Arsenal when Sokratis came off through suspected concussion in the 77th minute.
It means that he joins the likes of Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac on the sidelines.
Gosling, 29, celebrates after scoring his second goal in his last three matchesCredit: AFP or licensors
Gunners striker Aubameyang has now scored 12 goals in the Premier League this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
And Bournemouth almost took advantage of Sokratis’ absence straight away as Callum Wilson had a goal ruled out for offside after he netted from inside the six yard box following Bernd Leno’s stop to deny Harry Wilson.
It was Arsenal who had the last major chance of the game, but Joe Willock’s tame shot from outside the box trickled into the arms of Aaron Ramsdale in stoppage time.
The result leaves Arsenal in 11th spot, while Bournemouth drop to 16th place.
Mikel Arteta will be pleased by how his side performed away at BournemouthCredit: Reuters
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
