Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth: Martin Zubimendi infuriates as Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz poor | OneFootball

Several Arsenal players fall short of their usual standards as Premier League title hopes are dented

Arsenal lost their control of the Premier League title race after falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth.

Mikel Arteta’s side were second-best throughout and could have no complaints when Junior Kroupi put the visitors in front in the first half.

Viktor Gyokeres levelled before half-time from the penalty spot but Alex Scott tucked home in the 75th minute and this time there was no Arsenal response.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 3

So lucky not to be punished for poor passes out on several occasions. Kept playing short in his own box and it created massive anxiety in the stands. Usually calms everything down but the opposite here.

Ben White 3

Caught out by Truffert’s run for Bournemouth’s opener. Looked vulnerable to that ball in behind him every time. Also took far too long over throw-in, which only added to the stress levels in the stadium.

William Saliba 4

Weak defending for the cross to bounce off him and deflect into Kroupi’s path. Should have cut out a pass that led to Evanilson chance later in the half. Looked far shakier than is normally the case.

Gabriel 6

One brilliant block with his head early on. His shot forced the penalty and he also dangerously nodded down a corner. Very few positives at the back for Arsenal but he tried to hold things together.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 5

Strong on the ball in turning out of trouble and passing through the lines in the first half. Became edgy after the break like most of his team-mates and had to rely on Trossard to track back more than once.

Martin Zubimendi 3

Infuriating. So cautious on the ball and yet was not secure in possession either, with just 76% pass accuracy. Felt like he stopped showing for the ball too and did nothing to stop Bournemouth counters.

Declan Rice 6

Had one long-range effort deflected just over and went close a couple of other times. Great corner should have been headed in by Havertz. Drove forward well on the ball but unable to make telling contribution.

Noni Madueke 4

Unconvincing again. Had one good moment when beating Truffert, and played a decent ball through for Gyokeres, but it wasn’t enough. No conviction when he gets into final third - no league goal for two months.

Kai Havertz 3

Missed a massive chance to equalise, somehow heading over from four yards. Not the answer at No10 either - unable to get on the ball and control things. Had the chance to lead one first-half counter and played a terrible pass. Hooked early.

Kai Havertz missed a big chance

Getty Images

Gabriel Martinelli 2

Seven touches in an invisible first half. Then just one more in the nine minutes after the break before he was replaced. More evidence to suggest he is better off the bench than when starting.

Viktor Gyokeres 6

Arsenal’s biggest threat - a low bar, mind. Emphatic penalty and ran the channels really well, looking sharp in behind. Nearly made it 2-2 but close-range shot was deflected behind. Wasted big stoppage-time chance.

Substitutes:

Max Dowman (Madueke 54’) 5

Excitement when he came on but unable to provide the magic this time. Some direct running, crosses were largely wayward though.

Eberechi Eze (Havertz 54’) 5

Couldn’t get on the ball enough. When he did there were some nice turns, but Arsenal needed him to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 54’) 2

Tracked back decently but alarmingly bad on the ball. Kept tripping over it and looked completely lost.

Cristhian Mosquera (White 76’) 5

Was getting ready to come on at 1-1 but introduced with Arsenal behind. No real contribution at either end.

Gabriel Jesus (Zubimendi 76’) 3

A desperate kitchen sink moment but he was miles off the pace. Again.