Arsenal v Bournemouth - Player Ratings

Flowing form just at the right time as the outstanding Ozil and the magic Mkhitaryan lead the Gunners past a flat looking Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Koscielny, Aubameyang and Lacazette were preceded by finishes from our two stand out players, with the only blemish being another clean sheet opportunity gone begging. A hammering victory just at the right time though, with a visit to arch rivals Tottenham in just a few days time.

It took only four minutes for Arsenal to get going as a great run by Mesut Ozil was matched by a toe poke through ball from left sider Sead Kolasinac. The German drove into Bournemouth's box and cleverly scored with his now regular dink finish - the difference that his technique is to kick down into the ball so it bounces off the turf and up - absolutely sublime! Most of the first half belonged to Arsenal as Ozil was again involved with the equally excellent Mkhitaryan, as both teamed up for a fantastic one-two play that saw the Armenian grab his fourth goal in his last four league games. The Cherries grabbed their solitary goal after half an hour through Mousset who slid home from close range after yet another silly defence-to-midfield error. Guendouzi dropped short to collect a pass out from the back and got clattered on the edge of his box. He wasn't strong enough there but really shouldn't have come in for the ball in that particular environment; it was a needless goal to give away.

The half time break came at a good time for Arsenal. The break in action saw Bournemouth's levels drop and the Gunners pressed home the advantage immediately taking only two minutes to score as Mkhitaryan set up Koscielny and the Frenchamn ushered the ball over the line from close range. 3-1 and the floodgates were opening. Mkhitaryan was involved again as he expertly drove through Arsenal's half and upon reaching the centre of the pitch, knocked forward a perfect through ball for the already motoring Aubameyang who timed his run well to stay onside. He still had to finish though as he rounded the onrushing goalkeeper to slide home. 4-1 and it just kept coming. With half an hour plus still left on the clock, Emery introduced the inform Alex Lacazette who immediately got involved. After some neat play around the Bournemouth box, Torreira skipped past Dan Gosling who then fouled the little Uruguayan. Up stepped Lacazette to slot home the resulting free kick to continue his good goal scoring run. It rounded off a thumping performance and a great confidence boost ahead of Saturday's NLD.

Player Ratings and Talking Points

Unai Emery: 8.5

The formation may have annoyed some during the pregame build up, as many would have thought that a back three with wingbacks was unnecessary against a team like Bournemouth, especially at home. I tend to agree but having thought about it more since the game, it's likely that Emery wanted to give Monreal some much needed minutes but didn't have a real reason to drop Kolasinac. In affect, although the shape remained, Kolasinac played so far forward - almost like a left winger, that the back line at times looked more like a four. Jenkinson bombed forward and did well down the right but even his defensive brain is more conservative than that of Kolasinac leaving it looking like a more natural four. Ahead of Spurs at the weekend, it is definitely good to have Monreal back in the feel of things.

Beyond that, it was pretty good from the man in charge. He made substitutions at good times and gave the right players a rest. We saw a little more of Denis Suarez as well which was also a good decision. Emery set his team up to attack and could have done little more to make it better than it was. Five goals, all scored by important players meant a good night at the office for the Head Coach.

Bernd Leno: 8

Sokratis: 7.5

Laurent Koscielny: 8

Nacho Monreal 7.5

Carl Jenkinson 7.5

Matteo Guendouzi: 8

Lucas Torreira: 7.5

Sead Kolasinac: 6.5

Mesut Ozil: 9

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 8

Subs
Alex Iwobi: 6.5
Alex Lacazette: 7.5
Denis Suarez: 6

Regardless of Shape and Personnel, Our Forwards Just Love Scoring

Whether it's one or two up top, Aubameyang, Lacazette or both, our dynamic duo just keep on scoring. It's a great partnership when they are in tandem or with Aubameyang out wide as they way they work together and combine their strengths to combat each other's weaknesses it just outstanding. Set pieces, unselfish running, runs from deep, pure pace, talismanic finishing and above all friendship is what keeps these two ticking. They are the perfect forwards for the likes of Ozil, Mkhitaryan and co to work with. Two goals and two assists for Aubameyang in his last six games, and five goals and one assists for Lacazette in his last eight games. Perfect form ahead of the NLD clash this weekend.

@craigbennett10