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

#4. Defoe isolated as Cherries struggle to create

Defoe cut a forlorn figure against Arsenal

Eddie Howe admitted that his players were “a bit passive” and “too reactive” in his post-match press conference, while he also lamented their sloppiness in possession. The latter was arguably their chief problem at the Emirates, with their first shot on goal not arriving until the 48th minute.

That chance fell to Jermain Defoe shortly after the restart, who hit the post with a header after being picked out by Jordon Ibe. The worrying thing for Bournemouth was that it was one of the few moments their centre-forward was involved in the match, with the 34-year-old cutting an isolated figure at the top of the pitch.

Defoe has never been one to drop deep and link the play, nor is he a striker who stretches the play with runs into the channels. Fielding Josh King centrally would probably have worked better for the Cherries, who did not have an out-ball to help them quickly turn defence into attack.