Arsenal ratings: Odegaard and Jesus make Gunners terrifying in attack as Saliba continues to impress vs Bournemouth
ARSENAL continued their perfect start against Bournemouth and Martin Odegaard was the star of the show.
The Norwegian, 23, scored twice in the opening 11 minutes to put the Gunners in a commanding position.
Gabriel Jesus played a role in both goals to continue his bright start for the club as Arsenal made it three wins from three.
Mikel Arteta will also be encouraged by the performances of Ben White and William Saliba with the latter scoring his first goal for the club.
In fact, there were no negatives for Arteta with Emile Smith Rowe even getting a run out as he continues his injury recovery.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal performance at the Vitality Stadium.
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Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Did not have much to do with the Arsenal defence keeping Bournemouth at bay and limiting the Cherries to just four shots on target.
But the England shot-stopper did react well to push out Kieffer Moore’s header for a corner late on with the ball appearing destined for the net.
Ben White – 7
Got forward well and helped to produce the Gunners’ second goal with a low pass to Jesus who set-up Odegaard.
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Looked assured on and off the ball and could keep his place at right-back even when Takehiro Tomiyasu passes fit.
William Saliba – 8
Scored a beautifully curled shot with his weaker foot from 20 yards to seal the three points.
Bournemouth’s attack did not test him much but the Frenchman bounced back brilliantly from the own goal he scored against Leicester last week.
Gabriel – 7
A rock at the back and is beginning to build an understanding with Saliba.
Organised the back four superbly and will pleased his efforts earned a clean sheet despite Bournemouth posing a danger in the last ten minutes.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
Calmness personified on the ball with some excellent touches and moved the ball effectively in the attacking final third.
He also kept a tight lid on Bournemouth newcomer Marcus Tavernier who joined in a £10million deal earlier this month.
Thomas Partey – 6
Broke up attacks in typical Partey fashion and was a composed presence without being spectacular.
Granit Xhaka – 7
Linked played very effectively and worked well with Zinchenko to feed Martinelli on the left flank.
Teed up Saliba’s goal and was adventurous in supporting the attack as Arsenal controlled the game.
Bukayo Saka – 6
A little quiet by his standards with his team-mates producing the moments of quality that decided the match.
He did work hard throughout however and tracked back well as Bournemouth tried to find a way back into the match.
Martin Odegaard – 9
His first goal was a tap-in but he reacted well to smash in a second in clinical fashion following a heavy touch from Jesus.
He showed how clever he was with intricate touches in and around the penalty area but also with the positions he took up which allowed him to get his goals.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Stretched the Bournemouth backline with his pace and could have helped Arsenal to a fourth if he had squared the ball to Xhaka instead of firing over.
Had a role in the first goal as Odegaard scored the rebound from his shot – he also came close to scoring an improvised finish in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Produced a bit of Brazilian magic to set-up the first goal, tiptoeing through the Bournemouth backline before teeing up Odegaard to give Arsenal the lead.
Almost got on the scoresheet as he cleverly chipped Mark Travers from close range, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside after a consultation with VAR.
Subs
Emile Smith Rowe (for Odegaard, 75′) – 5
Arteta will be happy he got more minutes under his belt as he continues his recovery from a groin injury. Will likely play a bigger role next week against Fulham.
Eddie Nketiah (for Martinelli, 75′) – 5
He replaced Martinelli on the left flank but unlike the Brazilian he did not see much of the ball with Arsenal sitting back and defending their lead in the last 15 minutes.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu (for White, 75′) – 6
Had quite a bit to do after coming on with the Cherries piling on the pressure but he filled in well for White and ensured his side kept a clean sheet.