please log in to view this image Venue: Vitality Stadium Date: Saturday 20th August 2022 KO time: 17:30 BST Overall Record: Wins: 9 Losses: 1 Draws: 2 Last six meetings: AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup) AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Arsenal Arsenal 1-0 AFC Bournemouth Arsenal 5-1 AFC Bournemouth AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Arsenal please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
A very winnable game for us. We've hit the ground running this season, so let's hope we keep up the good work with another 3 points on Saturday
They had a good win against Villa on the opening day, but got battered by City (probably expected). Will be a tricky game, but I reckon their style will suit us and we have a strong record against Bournemouth. Either way, we should be looking to get a convincing win here.
Seems like we have near enough a fully fit squad for the Bournemouth game. Arteta confirming that Smith-Rowe, Vieira and Cedric all in contention to play
A similarity between our two clubs is that pundits across all forms of the media are hyping ours teams up. Imho the it is over hyping us both. As soon as one of us hits the inevitable blip they will quickly stick the knife in. Realistically, City, Liverpool and Chelsea are favourites for the top 4 so it could well be a shoot out between us again (if United continue as they started). On like for like games you are on plus 3 points from last season and we are on plus 4 points. Transfer wise, we've both had decent windows bringing in good players and getting rid of unwanted ones. I think that which of us copes best with injuries and injuries will come out on top as I don't think there is too much to choose between each first team.
I agree that I think we are being a bit overhyped - this team and manager still have a lot to prove, and we've had a relatively kind start to the season with our fixtures (on paper). Obviously, you still need to beat who's in front of you, but there's still a long season ahead and time will tell whether this team has matured enough from last season or not. I think it'll be a close race between us, you and Chelsea for 3rd and 4th. Can't rule out United yet either, depending on if they follow up the Casemiro signing with others.
Unchanged XI for 3rd week running. Let’s hope we can do the business. We've got a fairly strong bench too, which is good.
1-0! Odegaard! That goal all came from Jesus’s penetrative run and silky feet. Didn’t realise he was that skilled technically. Incredible run. Nice reactions from Odegaard to finish that off.
2-0, Odegaard again. Electric start from us! Great play from Ben White on the overlap and nice composure from Odegaard to finish it off from the cut back.
One thing which impresses me is that when we lose the ball high up the pitch, we are winning the ball back/counter pressing very quickly and effectively. We’ve not seen this enough throughout Arteta’s tenure, hopefully this is something we continue doing.
HT. 0-2. You’d have to say that’s as good as we could have hoped for. Dominant from minute one, monopolising the ball, counter pressing, chance creation from out wide and through half-spaces/central areas, solid defensively and a healthy lead at half time. The only thing I can slightly whinge about is that we didn’t score 1 or 2 more to end this as a contest. If Bournemouth get a goal back, then the momentum swings in their favour. Need to kill the game in the second 45.
Wow, what a finish that is from Saliba! 3-0! A centre forward would be delighted with that, let alone a centre half. We need to tie him down to a long term contract ASAP. Unreal player
FT. 0-3. Great performance and result - only downside is we should have scored more and we didn’t, but 3-0 away from home, clean sheet, a fervent attacking display - can’t ask for much more than that
Can't get over how good Jesus is. He was made for this team. Absolutely world class. The challenge for Arteta is to surround him with more WC talent and we'll be competing for the title, surely, soon!
Thought we were great today. Odegaard silencing the recent critics. Honestly this team looks MILES better than last Season. The bench looks ALOT stronger and the starting 11 is better.(interesting considering in numbers we have trimmed down a lot) Jesus is the real deal - should have had another goal today that VAR decision was ridiculous - when its that close a call.. it's a goal. Still he got an assist. Zinchenko has really improve the team as well. He's very dynamic and doesn't misplace a pass. But again Saliba was the one who really impressed. That goal was ****ing quality.. and his defensive work was superb. He's only 20 so will still make mistakes but I really think we have a Van Dijk/Sol Campbell level talent here.
Was wondering about Zinchenko vs Tierney. On one hand I think Tierney is more dynamic, more aggressive.. but Zinchenko gives the side a greater level of control. He drops into midfield and has bigger influence on the possession aspect of the game. He's soo technical and intelligent I'm wondering if the Ukrainian is the better choice.
Also check this. William Saliba had 100% passing accuracy against Bournmouth. He also.. Scored a goal Won the most duels Had the most clearances Completed the most most long passes.
I was looking at our CBs in Arteta's first game in charge back in December 2019 (which was ironically Bournemouth away) - we had Mustafi, Sokratis and Luiz on the pitch. In contrast, we now have White, Saliba and Gabriel. This is a massive difference from a quality and technical standpoint.
For now, Zinchenko has to carry on at LB. He's done nothing that warrants being dropped. And as much as I love KT, he will have to fight for his place back into the team now.