It feels like Petr Cech has always played for Arsenal, says Arsene Wenger

Arsenal vs Bournemouth - player ratings

• 1/11 Petr Cech: 6

  Rarely tested on his way to yet another clean sheet, overtaking David James in the process. As ever he exuded authority and never looked like he would be concerned.

• 2/11 Hector Bellerin: 7

  As full of attacking endeavour as ever, he and Oxlade-Chamberlain often exchanged nice passes to release the Spaniard down the right. With Bournemouth tiring he excelled in the space they offered him, providing plenty of tempting crosses.

• 3/11 Per Mertesacker: 6

  It was no surprise that he struggled with the pacey running of Josh King in behind the Arsenal line. However when the ball was sent into the area Mertesacker was never found wanting, calmly repelling Bournemouth’s attacks.

• 4/11 Gabriel: 8

  A powerful header in the first half, his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, was no less than the Brazilian deserved. Equally impressive were two sliding tackles early in the second half as King bore down on goal as he provided excellent coverage behind Mertesacker.

• 5/11 Kieran Gibbs: 6

  Looked a more than adequate alternative to Nacho Monreal in a rare start, though the Spaniard would not expect to lose his place after a good, but not great, display by Gibbs.

• 6/11 Aaron Ramsey: 6

  After offering solid protection from Manchester City’s attackers it was more of the same from Ramsey at the Emirates, making two excellent tackles to slow Bournemouth’s advance. That he combined this with sallies into the area was another encouraging sign for Wenger.

• 7/11 Calum Chambers: 5

  A tough experience of the challenges of playing in midfield in his first start in the position for nearly a year. The opening exchanges saw Bournemouth swarm the youngster, who seemed hesitant when he gifted possession to Arter. That was the story of the match for Chambers, who all too often could not be relied on with the ball at his feet. It may be too early to write the 20-year-old off as an anchorman but this was not an ideal start.

• 8/11 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6

  A worrying display from Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did little to supplant Joel Campbell in Wenger’s affections with what was a display typical of his season. He was full of running, but all too often it was running down a blind alley. When he combined with Bellerin he seemed far more effective but at his worst he seemed too eager to be the star.

• 9/11 Mesut Ozil: 8

  With Arsenal seemingly stunned by Bournemouth’s bright start Ozil took hold of the contest and bent it to his will. Indeed questions must soon be asked over whether this team is too reliant on their star man. No other player looked like crafting a chance for much of the match, with Arsenal’s tactics seemingly just 'give it to the No.11’. It paid off in style, but is it sustainable?

• 10/11 Theo Walcott: 7

  Another convincing imitation of Alexis Sanchez from the striker, whose understanding with Ozil saw him make several enticing runs. On another day he may have scored but he was full of willingness to get into position to influence the game.

• 11/11 Olivier Giroud: 6

  A quiet display from Giroud, who seemed more than any other to be showing signs of fatigue from Arsenal’s gruelling recent schedule. However the forward was able to make one critical touch, laying in Ozil for Arsenal’s crucial second.