Arsenal’s 100% record in the Premier League continued as an impressive away performance at Bournemouth ended with Arsenal scoring three goals and collecting all three points by the seaside.
Once again, Arsenal made a fast start to the game, and this time they were awarded for their early efforts as newly appointed captain Martin Odegaard slotted from close range into an empty net after Gabriel Martinelli’s shot was parried into the Norwegian’s direction by the Bournemouth goalkeeper. This followed some brilliant work from Gabriel Jesus who, after expertly bringing down the ball, skipped past multiple Bournemouth players showing great strength and dribbling skills as the Brazilian continues to have an instant impact in North London.
And this fast start continued only minutes later as Odegaard smashed the ball into the net first time to add to his and Arsenal’s tally giving them a two goal cushion in the opening fifteen minutes. It was the first time since 2014 where Odegaard had scored more than one goal in a game. After the comfortable first half, Arsenal had a strong platform to build upon and this led to the third goal as after a quick free-kick routine, William Saliba brilliantly struck the ball into the far top corner with his left foot, the young Frenchman continuing his impressive start to the season after his MOTM performance on the opening day away to Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta will also be very happy that his side managed to keep their second clean sheet of the season as Arsenal currently sit top of the table having scored the most goals (9), conceded only two and having collected maximum points from the opening three matches. Arsenal follow this up with two home games against Fulham and a struggling Aston Villa which present a good opportunity to keep the 100% record going. Although Marco Silva’s side will represent a tough test following their own strong start to the campaign.
Player Ratings:
Ramsdale: 7
White: 8
Saliba: 9
Gabriel: 8
Zinchenko 9
Partey: 7
Xhaka: 7
Saka: 7
Odegaard: 9
Martinelli: 7
Jesus: 9