Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey has singled out two players for criticism following the Gunners's 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta's side succumbed to their first loss of the campaign on Saturday, October 19 at the Vitality Stadium.
William Saliba's red card in the first half saw Arsenal go down to ten men for the third time this season. The Frenchman was sent off for denying Bournemouth striker Evanilson a clear run on goal, putting Mikel Arteta's side on the back foot.
Bournemouth's numerical superiority eventually paid dividends, with Andoni Iraola's side scoring two second-half goals to secure all three points. Ryan Christie found the back of the net in the 70th minute before Justin Kluivert doubled the lead from the spot in 79 minutes.
Aaron Ramsey criticized Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli for their poor positioning during Bournemouth's opener. The Gunners icon said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, as quoted by Football 365:
“The only issue is the two Arsenal players against their two on the edge [of the box]. Martinelli’s position needed to be altered a bit. The [space] is too big. It invites the ball to come around for Christie."
The Wales international, who currently plies his trade for Cardiff City, added:
"I would say Havertz as well, he needs to be more on the half-turn. He’s got to be more aware of what is coming and whether he can get an arm across him or disrupt the run just to put him off balance maybe. Those would be my two things.”
With their defeat against Bournemouth, Arsenal are currently third in the Premier League table with 17 points in eight games. They are four points behind league leaders Liverpool and three points behind reigning champions Manchester City.
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Baleba has been pretty impressive since joining Brighton in a reported £23 million deal from Lille in the summer of 2023. He has caught the eye of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur while Arsenal and Liverpool have been long-term admirers.
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