Premier League giants Arsenal secured progress into the fifth round of the FA Cup after successfully manoeuvring the hurdle of an away fixture against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Gunners had a sensational first-half where they completely out-played the Cherries, and the Arsenal youngsters even managed to create two goals. Despite a slight response from Eddie Howe’s men in the second half, they were unable to crack the Arsenal defence in time, with the Sam Surridge strike coming far too late to have an impact. Mikel Arteta can now start preparing for a trip to Portsmouth in the next round of the competition.
Here are the Arsenal players rated in their win over Bournemouth.
Emiliano Martinez – 6
The second-choice shot-stopper did a decent job for most of the tie, especially considering that the Cherries only managed two shots on target in the entirety of the fixture. Could have been better with coming off his line though.
Hector Bellerin – 6.5
The Spaniard was untroubled for most of the fixture, except for the two surges of Bournemouth possession in the second half. Made a couple of decent forward dashes and tried to impact the tie.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7
The German was solid for the most part against the Cherries and did an effective job for the duration that he was on the pitch. Had to be subbed off with a nasty injury in the second half.
Sokratis – 6.5
The Greek defensive stalwart did his duties comfortably and wasn’t troubled by the stale attempts of the Bournemouth attackers. Could’ve dealt with the ball that led to the Cherries’ goal.
Bukayo Saka – 8.5
The speedster had a sensational first half as he ran at a clueless Bournemouth defence with pace. He picked up an assist after scoring one himself and was unquestionably the best player on the pitch.
Matteo Guendouzi – 7
The young Frenchman could’ve controlled his temperament a little better, but he did a decent job overall. Kept the ball moving in the middle of the park and worked quite hard in defence too.
Granit Xhaka – 6.5
The Swiss international started the game as one of the midfield pivots alongside Guendouzi but soon became the third centre-half in the second period. Did an excellent job of circulating possession.
Nicolas Pepe – 6
The Frenchman showed glimpses of skill all through this fixture but just seemed to be lacking the confidence required to deliver at this level. Needs to improve his decision making in the final third.
Joe Willock – 8
He was undoubtedly the hardest working player on the pitch tonight and had an extremely effective first half. Showed remarkable awareness to turn away in the build-up to the Arsenal opener.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
The Brazilian linked up well with some of the other Arsenal youngsters in the first half, but slowly faded away in the second. Worked hard tracking back and played the whole ninety minutes.
Eddie Nketiah – 6.5
The youngster came back into the starting lineup and impressed in the first half. He managed to pop up at the right place to tap in Saka’s cut back for the Arsenal opener, but eventually fizzled out.
Substitutes
Rob Holding – 6
The Englishman held his position well as the Cherries began to pile on the pressure in the second half. Made a couple of good clearances in his own box as well.
Daniel Ceballos – 6
The Spaniard came back from injury and did a decent job in the middle of the park. Moved the ball around with confidence and played a couple of neat passes out too.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
