EPL 2017/18, Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth: 5 Talking Points

#2. Bournemouth couldn’t handle Arsenal’s attack

Xhaka had a fine game in midfield against Bournemouth

For all Arsenal’s quality, the Cherries made life far too easy for the hosts at the Emirates Stadium. After a confident spell of early possession, Eddie Howe’s men conceded from their opponents’ first real attack, with Welbeck allowed a free run into the box to break the deadlock.

Things hardly improved for Bournemouth thereafter, as Arsenal took advantage of the spaces in between centre-back trio Steve Cook, Nathan Ake and Tyrone Mings. There was a lack of bite and muscle in the middle of the park too, with Dan Gosling and Harry Arter overwhelmed by Granit Xhaka and Ramsey.

Bournemouth conceded 67 goals last season and the same amount in 2015/16, their first campaign at this level. Given that their backline has already been breached eight times this term, it appears as though the south-coast side have not rectified their major weakness.