A mixed bag from the Gunners’ shot-stopper. Some fantastic saves and moments that underline his talent, but also a little too casual with the ball at his feet at times. No Premier League game is every easy enough for that.
LB - Riccardo Calafiori, 7
Some nice work at full back. Looked comfortable on the ball but any positives will obviously be overshadowed by that result.
CB - Gabriel, 7
His usual self and a physical presence from set plays. Could do little about the goals himself.
CB - William Saliba, 4
That tug on Evanilson was clumsy and left Rob Jones with little choice once he had seen the VAR replay. Not a lot that Saliba could have done after that backpass, but would perhaps have been better off letting the striker run rather than taking the red card.
RB - Ben White, 5
Ben White returned to the XI against Bournemouth.Ben White returned to the XI against Bournemouth.
Ben White returned to the XI against Bournemouth. | AFP via Getty Images
A little off the pace in his first taste of Premier League action since the draw against Manchester City.
CM - Declan Rice, 7
A big shift from the midfielder. With Arsenal 1-0 down, the England international tried to have the presence of two players but not able to haul his side to any points.
CM - Thomas Partey, 6
Helped ensure that Bournemouth didn’t dominate the game despite the extra man but not an enthralling showing in the centre of the park.
CM - Mikel Merino, 4
Handed his first Arsenal start but failed to turn heads and was often a passenger at times.
LW - Leandro Trossard, 5
Was his usual attacking outlet and worked with diligence but, in truth, was perhaps more at fault for the red card than Saliba due to his back pass.
ST - Kai Havertz, 5
Was always going to be a mission for him after the red card. The German striker is clearly a good finisher but thrives in Arsenal dominance rather than backs against the wall.
RW - Raheem Sterling, 8
Looked really dangerous on the right flank before an early substitution brought about by the red card.
A shame he wasn’t able to seize the moment tonight.
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SUB - Jakub Kiwior, 4
Kiwior landed Raya in hot water before the penalty.Kiwior landed Raya in hot water before the penalty.
Kiwior landed Raya in hot water before the penalty. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Brought on to provide some extra defensive solidity following the red but a careless backpass led to the penalty and eventual second Bournemouth goal.
SUB - Gabriel Martinelli, 8
Provided an immediate impact from the bench. Some jinking runs and moments of vision but not enough to bring the Gunners back into the game.
SUB - Ethan Nwaneri, 6 - Quiet cameo from the bench with some Arsenal fans online wishing the teenager had started the game.
SUB - Gabriel Jesus, 7 - Bustled about in his cameo and can’t fault his desire, but all too late.
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