The gunners managed to win against a spirited Bournemouth side, thanks to goals from Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, which came in quick succession. The London club will move to third in the Premier League, with goal difference separating them from second placed Tottenham Hotspurs.
The game was not settled in the first half, despite both the goals coming in the first 45 minutes. Bournemouth tried whole-heartedly to initiate a comeback which was ineffective against a shutout defence of Arsenal and predominantly their veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Here are how the Arsenal players fared in the win.
Petr Cech (4/5)
The former Chelsea goalkeeper was the imminent block from Bournemouth earning at least a point. He made stupendous saves after the Gunners scored twice, notable among those are the double saves he did in the dying moments of the game.
Hector Bellerin (3/5)
The Spaniard was his usual self, made dashes past the Bournemouth counterpart, provided cover for Gabriel who was occasionally outpaced by Bournemouth winger, Marc Pugh.
Was shaky at the start, but eventually got up to keep out the effervescent performance of Benik Afobe. Blocked some shots as well.
Laurent Koscielny (2.5)
Was given the Captain’s arm band and was sluggish many times. Although it is essential to point the defensive wall he built with Gabriel to keep Bournemouth at bay.
Nacho Monreal (3.5)
Did his duties comfortably as a left-back and sprinted occasionally into the Bournemouth box, and could have been the reason for two penalties against Bournemouth, if the referee was more lenient.
Mathieu Flamini (2/5)
Another disappointing outing for the Frenchman. Earned a yellow card early in the game and was lucky to have avoided the red due to his rash challenges as the game progressed.
Aaron Ramsey (3.5/5)
The Welshman was assigned to his favourite position and did well to convince the manager. Was the part and parcel of almost every Arsenal move.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (3/5)
Despite scoring through a neat finish, the youngster was not of much extraordinary utility for the Gunners tonight. Lost the ball many times as well.
Mesut Ozil (4/5)
Orchestrated some scintillating moves and scored with a sublime half-volley. Definitely another outstanding game for the Gunner.
Alexis Sanchez (3/5)
Ran well, and stretched the Bournemouth defence. But a lot of passes were non-directional or over-hit. Produced a great chance but the final pass reached a Bournemouth player instead of an Arsenal player.
Olivier Giroud (3/5)
Did not get enough chance to shoot. But his linkup play with others were great. Assisted for the first goal.
Substitutes
Francis Coquelin (3/5)
Came on for Chamberlain in the 68th minute and did the duties calmly.
Kieran Gibbs (NA)
Did not get enough time to make an impact.
Theo Walcott (NA)
Came on with less than a minute to final whistle.