Football

Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth as Granit Xhaka stars but Alexandre Lacazette flops


Arsenal came from behind to claim a point as honours were shared in Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge.

Dan Gosling gave Bournemouth a first-half lead before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck to level.

The Cherries pinched the ball against Arsenal as the Gunners attempted to play out from the back.

Wilson found Jack Stacey, who cut back from the byline and Dan Gosling poked it in at the near post.

The first goal of Arteta’s Arsenal reign came, almost inevitably, from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker slotted home first after Reiss Nelson’s attempted shot had deflected to him at the far post.

Here’s how they rated:

Dan Gosling was om hand to fire Bournemouth ahead

Bernd Leno 6

Could do nothing about Gosling’s goal. Did what he was needed to do confidently. Always needed to be on call with Luiz and Sokratis’s attempts to play out from the back.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles 5

Rinsed by King on a couple of occasions. Looked out of his depth against the Norwegian.

David Luiz 5

There was a sharp intake of breath from Arsenal fans every time he attempted a short pass. But when he went for a long raking ball forward he looked like Pirlo.

Sokratis 5

Playing out from the back isn’t his strong suit, therefore Arteta’s tactics of playing out from the back always put him on the back foot.

Bukayo Saka 5

Played at left-back which seemed a waste the majority of his attacking talents. When he did get forward, his crossing let him down.

Granit Xhaka 8 MOTM

Possibly his best performance of the season – maybe last two. Seemed to bounce well off Torreira to give Arsenal a nice defensive shape. His pass in the build-up to the goal took out five defenders. A midfield clinic.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Lewis Cook of AFC Bournemouth battles for possession with Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on December 26, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Lucas Torreira 7

Always looked like one of him or Xhaka were in possession – and both generally utilised the ball nicely. His pressing set the tone.

Reiss Nelson 5

Appeared lost, and then panicked when the ball did come to him. Made up for some lacklustre crossing by setting up Aubameyang.

Mesut Ozil 7

Pulled the strings and gave Lacazette every opportunity to show his shooting ability. Sees spaces and gets time on the ball that others don’t. Very encouraging if Arteta can return him to his very best.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hauled Arsenal level after the break

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7

Wasted on the left flank, especially with Lacazette enduring a horror performance. After curling just over, Aubameyang steered the Gunners ahead – proving that playing your top scorer down the middle will likely find the net eventually.

Alexandre Lacazette 4

Looked like a competition winner for much of the game. After a series of misses, his confidence went through the floor.





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