4 things we learnt from Arsenal's victory over Bournemouth

What have we learned from the Gunners' dominant display down at the south coast?

4 things we learnt from Arsenal's victory over Bournemouth
William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates with team-mates after he scores a goal to make it 3-0 during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
aaron-jaffe
By Aaron Jaffe
  • Arsenal's dominance prevails

The Gunners' impeccable form is not only down to the intelligent recruitment shown in this summer transfer window and their strengthened backline, but is also down to Arteta's game plan and how the players incorporate it throughout the match. 

Arsenal are now finishing their chances earlier, scoring in under 23 minutes in their last six games (including preseason fixtures). In fact, seven of a total 22 goals scored in those six games have been scored in under 15 minutes. This allows Arsenal to control the game for the majority of the first half having gained the advantage early, and retain possession, similar to how Pep Guardiola manages Manchester City when they take an early lead. 

Their early goals, a brace by captain Martin Ødegaard scoring twice in six minutes, isn't purely down to the side taking more shots either. The high press that was initiated after the new year last season, has improved drastically. With Gabriel Jesus being brought in to fill the role of the 'pressing forward', they have the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. The press is now super effective, as seen countless times when opposition goalkeepers and centre-backs are caught by Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli

  • The three new men on top

With a highly-talented crop of players waiting for their chance on the bench and in the reserves, only three players have manage to break through and reserve a place in the lineup that has been unchanged for the last three games.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, one of two signings from Arteta's former workplace in Manchester, was acquired to test and provide cover for Kieran Tierney who has struggled with knee issues, having ruled him out at a critical time last season. The Ukrainian has been simply faultless, his eye-catching technical ability and distribution is top-notch, leaving a now-fit Tierney on the bench. Zinchenko has also attempted 55+ passes in the last two games, more than anyone else in the starting eleven. 

William Saliba is another acquisition that has been warmly welcomed by the Arsenal fans. He has waited three years for his chance, being sent out back to Saint-Etienne in his first season, second in Nice and finally a third in Marseille. The Frenchman's frame is perfect for Arteta's requirements; he is fast and agile to recover in situations, and has the physicality to fend off strikers that would've bullied the Arsenal defence last season. His goal yesterday evening against Bournemouth was exquisite, the first-time left footed finish soaring into the top right corner, beating Travers convincingly. The fans are already in love with him, and it doesn't look like Ben White will be returning from right-back to centre back any time soon. 

Finally, it's hard to not look at the new-look Arsenal side without mentioning Gabriel Jesus. Despite not being on the scoresheet yesterday, albeit a goal was only a few centimetres from being added to his tally. It was his silky dribbling that Arsenal fans had seen glimpses of, but was seen in full effect at the Vitality Stadium. He slalomed past three defenders in the build-up to the first goal, before sliding through Martinelli which split open the Cherries defence. It's certainly a sign of things to come in the future, and is why Jesus has been so prominent in that Gunners eleven. 

  • Bournemouth in trouble

After their emphatic arrival back to the Premier League, reality struck the Cherries. With fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in a row, it was going to be a challenge for them to pick up any points. But with seven goals conceded and no goals scored against City and Arsenal, it's clear that there is something needed to rejuvenate the side. 

Having spent only £25million in contrast to Nottingham Forest's £150million moneyball strategy, the Cherries have only recruited a backup goalkeeper, one centre-back, a right-back, two midfielders and a winger. However, only one of the six signings has had Premier League experience in Ryan Fredericks, and he has been injured since arriving. On the other hand, out of Forest's 20 signings, seven of them have proven it in England's top-tier. 

Scott Parker will need to dive back into the transfer window, and look at some options that will provide experience while also strengthening and providing backup to a side that don't look ready to take on the best of what the Premier League has to offer. 

Marcos Senesi was an intelligent buy from Parker, but was left out there to dry, being substituted at half time. He was targeted by Arsenal's frontline having had little time to learn how the Cherries set-up. Parker will need to ensure that he can rely on the Argentine and the rest of his backline to keep the goals conceded to a minimum. 

  • Striking issue

On the topic of recruitment, Bournemouth may have to look for an additional striker. Dominic Solanke missed the last two games with an ankle injury meaning that the Cherries were forced to be reliant on Kieffer Moore. The duo were on-fire in the Championship last year with a total of 33 goals but its yet to be proven if they can do it in the Premier League

Bournemouth didn't manage to test Aaron Ramsdale enough, and with no real converter, there was no prolific end-product to change the game and gain momentum. Bringing in someone with experience, similar to how Forest have brought in Emmanuel Dennis, would be an intelligent move in their hunt to stay up. 

The Cherries now have a tough spell of fixtures against Liverpool, Wolves and then a clash with Nottingham Forest. With Solanke out and hoping to return, Parker should act quickly or hope that the 24-year-old can carry his red-hot form that he maintained in the Championship over.