AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal: 3 things we observed from an Arsenal perspective | Premier League 2018-19

Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches in all competitions via a hard-fought win over a determined Bournemouth side.

The Gunners took the lead through a spectacular own goal by Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, but The Cherries fought back and equalised with a sweeping counter attack move on the stroke of half-time, which was finished off by Josh King.

However, The Gunners took the lead again in the second half through a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike in the 67th minute of the game, making the Gabonese the joint top scorer in the Premier League alongside Sergio 'Kun' Aguero.

Lets take a look at some things we noticed from the game.

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#1 Alex Iwobi is an able replacement for Mesut Ozil

Alex Iwobi tries to fizzle in a low cross against Bournemouth

The Nigerian international has been one of the shinning light of the Arsenal squad this season since Unai Emery took over as manager.

He looked lively throughout the game with his mazy runs, and not being afraid to take on players. When the team sheet for Arsenal was released and Mesut Ozil was not in the starting line-up, few must have wondered where The Gunners' creative spark would come from, owing to the fact that the German is arguably the most creative player in the squad.

Such fears must have been entertained going into the game especially against an inform Bournemouth side who look to be compact and organised when playing the big teams in the Premier League at the Vitality Stadium.

It must be said that Mesut Ozil was not missed in the game, as Iwobi continued to be a constant menace to the Bournemouth defence.

Infact, he recorded a pre-assist in the game. His defence splitting pass, (a pass that Mesut Ozil would have been proud of) similar to the German's pass that led to Arsenal's first goal against Leicester City, found Sead Kolasinac who sent in a perfect ball to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to prod home the winning goal of the game.

He was also a perfect replacement for Ozil against Bournemouth as Unai Emery explained in his post match conference why the German was omitted from the starting eleven.

As quoted on Goal, Emery said:

"We thought about how we can be better in the match today, with a very demanding match physically with their intensity against us and we decided.

"But every player is important. Also today we tried with three centre-backs. It’s another opportunity to improve and find our best performance.

He was replaced later on in the game with wide applause from the traveling fans. The Nigerian offers drive from midfield to attack, and even on the wings, which Ozil does not offer on a consistent basis.

#2 The impact of Sead Kolasinac, and his best position for Arsenal

Overall he put in his best performance of the season so far

This was arguably the Bosnian's best performance of the season so far. He was instrumental to both goals. First, his cross was turned in by a Bournemouth player for an own goal, while he provided the assist for Arsenal's winning goal scored by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Although he had a few moments where he was not at his best, overall he put in his best performance of the season so far.

Another factor which also assisted him was the tweak in formation adopted by Unai Emery. Due to minor knocks to Alexandre Lacazette as well as the omission of Mesut Ozil in the starting line-up, Emery reverted to a surprising 5-4-1 formation.

The return of Sokratis afforded Emery the opportunity to use this formation, which may have come as a surprise to Eddie Howe. The three centre-backs afforded Kolasinac the opportunity to surge forward with ease, and made him not unnecessarily worried about leaving a vacuum in the defence, as a result of an extra centre half to cover up when he makes his forays forward.

It must be said that Kolasinac is more suited to that left wing-back position, as he is not blessed with pace to cover up when the team is being attacked. He thrived in this position during his early days under former manager Arsene Wenger, and this still remains his best position till date.

Arguably, he offers more going forward than Nacho Monreal with his strength and agility, but he is not as balanced both defensively and in attack like the Spaniard.

#3 Bernd Leno is definitely Arsenal's number 1 at the moment

Leno makes a save that is already a contender for the save of the season

The German has taken full advantage of Cech's injury to cement his position as Arsenal #1 goalkeeper. His ability to play out from the back has been one of his most outstanding qualities. He is also very quick off his line to snuff out danger, and he has very good reflexes as well.

On Sunday against Bournemouth, he made a couple of outstanding saves, and was crucial to The Gunners securing all 3 points at the Vitality Stadium.