Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal 2022/23 PL | 3 Crucial Lessons From The Game

We learnt three crucial lessons as Arsenal continued their fine form against AFC Bournemouth, running out 3-0 winners in the third game of the 2022/23 season.

Gabriel Jesus produced a ridiculous run before giving a reverse pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who had his initial shot saved, but Martin Odegaard slotted in the rebound to put Arsenal ahead. The Norwegian hammered in a second when Jesus’ heavy touch in the box teed him up.

Arsenal had to face multiple Bournemouth counter-attacks at the beginning of the second half but any hopes of a comeback were put to rest in the 54th minute when William Saliba curled home a thunderous strike to make it 3-0 in the Gunners’ favour.

Mikel Arteta applauding the Arsenal fans, Arsenal, Bournemouth, lessons — Image Obtained Via Arsenal

1. Arsenal Are An Incomplete Work Of Art

Arsenal were outstanding in the first half, with an amazing pressing game against a rattled Bournemouth side. However, the standards got sloppy in the second half, as they started conceding possession to Bournemouth. Arsenal were lacking control of the game which was highlighted many times by manager Mikel Arteta last season.

In this game, Bournemouth lacked the ability to create chances when they dominated the possession and were incapable to control the tempo. But the other teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur won’t show such mercy and will make them pay for such poor ball control.

The Gunners boss has spoken of the need to control games, so the lack of dominance is clearly not a tactical decision. It is the players who need to take responsibility, who need to learn to slow the game down and draw the life out of the opposition in big matches.

2. Martin Odegaard Relishing His Role As Captain

Martin Odegaard and team applauding the Arsenal fans, Arsenal, Bournemouth, lessons — Image Obtained Via Bein Sports

When Odegaard came on loan from Real Madrid, there were doubts about his ability to perform in the Premier League. The Norwegian is now the permanent captain of the Emirates.

It is a remarkable achievement for the 23-year-old. Odegaard scored the first two goals in this match. The midfielder, however, insists that it would be foolish to get carried away, even if the mood could not be more contrasting to 12 months ago when Arsenal lost three straight games and failed to score a single goal. He said:

“Compared to last season we are a little bit ahead but we have to stay calm and we have to stay humble and see where it takes us.”

3. William Saliba Is A Sensation

William Saliba scoring against Bournemouth, Arsenal, Bournemouth, lessons — Image Obtained Via Sky Sports

William Saliba had to wait three years for an Arsenal debut, and he is not letting it slip, evident from the consistent top-quality performances. He was wonderfully quick and assured in his presence in the heart of the defence.

He was always on top of the opposition and was barely forced into last-ditch defending. His excellent positioning played an important role in helping Arsenal play out from the back. Saliba’s goal against Bournemouth was a culmination of his excellence, his quality encapsulated in goal-scoring form.

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Mikel Arteta played down Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table but admitted he was proud after his side produced another impressive display at Bournemouth, with William Saliba’s stunner being the pick of the goals.

The Gunners moved to the top of the fledgling Premier League table, extending their winning run to three games. Arsenal host local rivals Fulham at home next weekend, hoping to extend their winning run.

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