The England midfielder exudes elegance as the Gunners demonstrate to Man City that they are prepared to fiercely contend for the Premier League title.

The Gunners brushed Andoni Iraola’s men aside to ensure that they’ll end the weekend at the top of the Premier League table

Job done, onto the next one. The outcome of the Premier League title race may still be in Manchester City’s hands but Arsenal are proving they’re not going anywhere after a convincing 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Completely dominant in the first half, Bukayo Saka got things started as he cooly slotted home from the penalty spot after Kai Havertz had somewhat controversially won a penalty, his tailing leg being caught by Mark Travers as the Cherries goalkeeper rushed out to attempt to snuff out the German.

Somehow it was only 1-0 heading into the break, and Andoni Iraola’s side started to come into the game in the second half as the nerves formed around the Emirates. The pressure was relieved with a second goal after 70 minutes, however, as Leandro Trossard stroked the ball into the net following excellent work from the outstanding Declan Rice.

The final 10 minutes saw Gabriel Magalhaes cruelly denied a stunning goal that rocketed into the top corner – with Havertz flagged

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10)

Had absolutely nothing to do until he was called into action early on in the second half to make a big save to deny Solanke. Was a bit fortunate to get the foul for Bournemouth’s disallowed goal.

Ben White (6/10)

Stayed well away from Travers’ gloves following the furore caused by his antics at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A strong first half but faded somewhat in the second as he focused more on helping preserve Arsenal’s lead.

William Saliba (7/10)

Dealt expertly well with the limited attacking threat Bournemouth provided in the first half especially, keeping the dangerous Solanke at bay.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10)

Solanke gave him some problems in the second half but yet another clean sheet in what has been a formidable season for him and Saliba. Robbed of an absolute worldie of a goal due to Havertz being marginally offside.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10)

He displayed great solidity at the left-back position and proved to be a valuable asset in aerial duels within Bournemouth’s penalty area. His performance was so impressive that he came close to providing an assist in the first half after executing a clever knock-down

Midfield

Martin Odegaard (7/10)

A typically bright and creative performance from the Norwegian, although he was a little loose with his finishing as Arsenal searched for more goals

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Was the wrong man in the right place at times in the first half as he wasted a couple of decent goal-scoring opportunities. His presence in the team is vital, though, allowing Rice more freedom to go and create

Declan Rice (8/10):

Lashed one of the bigger chances – of which there were absolutely dozens – of the first period wastefully wide before laying one on a plate for Trossard for the second goal with a delightful flick. Burst into the box in stoppage time and smashed home to make it 3-0

Kai Havertz Bukayo Saka Arsenal

Attack

Bukayo Saka (7/10)

Calmness personified as he sent Travers the wrong way to slide home the opener from the spot. Worrying scenes early on after he was wiped out by an awful knee-high challenge from Ryan Christie but recovered from that and produced another strong performance.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Really clever play to win the penalty after Travers foolishly flew off his line to confront the German forward in the box. Found pockets of space throughout and led the line well as his excellent season continued.

Leandro Trossard (7/10)

Had been largely ineffective until he swept home the second goal of the game at a time when the Emirates was starting to get nervous.

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

On for Trossard after 81 minutes and should’ve probably scored when he immediately raced through but delayed for too long and couldn’t get his shot away.

Gabriel Jesus (N/A):

Introduced for Saka with just a few minutes remaining and claimed the assist for Rice’s goal.

MANAGER

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

They keep on winning! Arteta resisted the urge to make any changes after the narrow victory over Tottenham, with his side getting the job done once again here. They’re still in it, despite City holding the aces, and they’re certainly not going away with just two games to go now