Svoboda | Graniru | BBC Russia | Golosameriki | Facebook
Close menu
Premier League
BournemouthAFC Bournemouth0ArsenalArsenal3

Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal: Dominant visitors outclass Cherries

By Joe BradshawBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Premier LeagueBBC Russian1243

Martin Odegaard scores Arsenal's first goal
Martin Odegaard scored seven Premier League goals for Arsenal in the 2021/22 season after a £30m move from Real Madrid

Arsenal swept aside Bournemouth to continue their perfect start and rise to the top of the Premier League table.

Captain Martin Odegaard put the Gunners in control inside the opening 10 minutes with a well-taken double.

After the break, William Saliba curled home a beautiful third before Gabriel Jesus saw his clever finish ruled out by VAR for offside.

It is the first time Arsenal have won their opening three fixtures since the 2004-05 season.

Bournemouth had won their first home game back in the Premier League against Aston Villa and there was a rousing feel to this Saturday teatime kick-off at the division's smallest ground.

It took a mere five minutes for that feeling to be punctured as Odegaard tapped in after Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers had saved Gabriel Martinelli's low strike.

The Norway midfielder struck again shortly after when he nabbed the ball off Jesus' toes to sweep a clinical left-footed finish past the helpless Cherries keeper.

Arsenal bided their time before sealing the win but did it in style when the impressive Saliba elegantly found the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Jesus was then denied a deserved goal by a tight VAR review that ruled him just offside from Odegaard's clever through ball.

It is very early days - and there are far harder tests to come - but the Gunners have laid down a marker with their superb start to the season.

Unchanged Arsenal reap reward

William Saliba
William Saliba has now scored two goals this season, this strike following up his own goal against Leicester last Saturday

Wins against Crystal Palace and Leicester meant Arteta had no qualms naming the same starting line-up for this one, the first time Arsenal have had an unchanged team for their opening three fixtures since the 2003-04 season - the last time they won the league.

It was clear from kick-off that confidence is high and Odegaard's early opener was reward for fine build-up, including a dynamic run from Jesus to create the chance for Martinelli.

Odegaard's quiet influence on this Arsenal side was made more obvious when he doubled the lead five minutes later.

Young France centre-back Saliba has won plenty of plaudits already this season and capped another fine performance with a delicious strike into the top corner from Granit Xhaka's cutback.

For the raucous travelling fans, the only thing missing from a perfect away day was a Jesus goal, the Brazil striker having one disallowed before being denied by a fine Travers save late on.

With an appealing run of fixtures ahead, the Gunners have a chance to make their presence felt at the top of the table.

For Bournemouth, Scott Parker responded to last Saturday's heavy defeat at Manchester City by naming a physical side, the selections of Ben Pearson, Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore no doubt intended to unsettle Arsenal.

Instead, it left them sluggish to the Gunners' slick passing and unable to get out when penned in their own half. Changes at the break brought a brief improvement, only for Saliba's strike to squash them again.

The Cherries are in need of reinforcements, with defenders and forwards both surely on Scott Parker's wishlist after new signing Marcos Senesi was given a torrid time by Jesus on his full Bournemouth debut.

They will have more mobility upfront when Dominic Solanke is fully fit, but against this class of opposition, the squad looks short of Premier League quality.

With a daunting trip to Anfield up next, it may get worse before it gets better for Parker's side.

Player of the match

Gabriel JesusGabriel Jesus

with an average of 9.04

AFC Bournemouth

  1. Squad number10Player nameChristie
    Average rating

    5.69

  2. Squad number21Player nameMoore
    Average rating

    5.28

  3. Squad number8Player nameLerma
    Average rating

    5.24

  4. Squad number1Player nameTravers
    Average rating

    5.18

  5. Squad number4Player nameL Cook
    Average rating

    5.07

  6. Squad number16Player nameTavernier
    Average rating

    4.95

  7. Squad number32Player nameAnthony
    Average rating

    4.95

  8. Squad number25Player nameSenesi
    Average rating

    4.87

  9. Squad number33Player nameZemura
    Average rating

    4.80

  10. Squad number6Player nameMepham
    Average rating

    4.74

  11. Squad number22Player namePearson
    Average rating

    4.63

  12. Squad number15Player nameA Smith
    Average rating

    4.59

  13. Squad number5Player nameKelly
    Average rating

    4.58

  14. Squad number29Player nameBilling
    Average rating

    4.47

Arsenal

  1. Squad number9Player nameGabriel Jesus
    Average rating

    9.04

  2. Squad number8Player nameØdegaard
    Average rating

    9.03

  3. Squad number12Player nameSaliba
    Average rating

    8.70

  4. Squad number11Player nameGabriel Martinelli
    Average rating

    8.31

  5. Squad number35Player nameZinchenko
    Average rating

    8.20

  6. Squad number6Player nameGabriel Magalhães
    Average rating

    8.15

  7. Squad number7Player nameSaka
    Average rating

    7.86

  8. Squad number4Player nameWhite
    Average rating

    7.76

  9. Squad number34Player nameXhaka
    Average rating

    7.75

  10. Squad number1Player nameRamsdale
    Average rating

    7.74

  11. Squad number5Player namePartey
    Average rating

    7.57

  12. Squad number10Player nameSmith Rowe
    Average rating

    7.52

  13. Squad number3Player nameTierney
    Average rating

    7.42

  14. Squad number18Player nameTomiyasu
    Average rating

    7.33

  15. Squad number14Player nameNketiah
    Average rating

    7.32

  16. Squad number23Player nameSambi Lokonga
    Average rating

    7.16

Line-ups

Bournemouth

Formation 3-1-4-2

  • 1Travers
  • 6Mepham
  • 25SenesiSubstituted forAnthonyat 45'minutes
  • 5Kelly
  • 8Lerma
  • 15A SmithBooked at 60mins
  • 16Tavernier
  • 22PearsonSubstituted forL Cookat 45'minutes
  • 33ZemuraBooked at 27mins
  • 21Moore
  • 29BillingSubstituted forChristieat 65'minutes

Substitutes

  • 4L Cook
  • 10Christie
  • 11Marcondes
  • 13Neto
  • 17Stacey
  • 18Lowe
  • 20Dembélé
  • 23Hill
  • 32Anthony

Arsenal

Formation 4-3-3

  • 1Ramsdale
  • 4WhiteSubstituted forTomiyasuat 74'minutes
  • 12Saliba
  • 6Gabriel
  • 35Zinchenko
  • 8ØdegaardSubstituted forSmith Roweat 74'minutes
  • 5Partey
  • 34XhakaSubstituted forSambi Lokongaat 88'minutes
  • 7SakaSubstituted forTierneyat 88'minutes
  • 9Gabriel JesusBooked at 52mins
  • 11MartinelliSubstituted forNketiahat 75'minutes

Substitutes

  • 3Tierney
  • 10Smith Rowe
  • 14Nketiah
  • 16Holding
  • 18Tomiyasu
  • 21Fábio Vieira
  • 23Sambi Lokonga
  • 25Elneny
  • 30Turner
Referee:
Craig Pawson
Attendance:
10,423

Match Stats

Home TeamBournemouthAway TeamArsenal
Possession
Home42%
Away58%
Shots
Home6
Away14
Shots on Target
Home1
Away6
Corners
Home3
Away4
Fouls
Home12
Away10

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Bournemouth 0, Arsenal 3.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Bournemouth 0, Arsenal 3.

  3. Post update

    Attempt saved. Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Eddie Nketiah.

  4. Post update

    Foul by Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal).

  5. Post update

    Lewis Cook (Bournemouth) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  6. Post update

    Attempt missed. Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Adam Smith with a cross.

  7. Post update

    Foul by Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal).

  8. Post update

    Jaidon Anthony (Bournemouth) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  9. Post update

    Attempt saved. Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Emile Smith Rowe.

  10. Substitution

    Substitution, Arsenal. Albert Sambi Lokonga replaces Granit Xhaka.

  11. Substitution

    Substitution, Arsenal. Kieran Tierney replaces Bukayo Saka.

  12. Post update

    Offside, Arsenal. Granit Xhaka tries a through ball, but Gabriel Jesus is caught offside.

  13. Post update

    Attempt missed. Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left from a direct free kick.

  14. Post update

    Foul by Thomas Partey (Arsenal).

  15. Post update

    Ryan Christie (Bournemouth) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  16. Post update

    Foul by Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

  17. Post update

    Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  18. Post update

    Corner, Bournemouth. Conceded by Gabriel Magalhães.

  19. Post update

    Corner, Bournemouth. Conceded by Aaron Ramsdale.

  20. Post update

    Attempt missed. Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Adam Smith with a cross.

Page 1 of 5
Navigate to the last page
Everything you need to know about your Premier League team banner
  • Our coverage of your Premier League club is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment
BBC Sport banner footer

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

1243 comments

  • Comment posted by Wish for something better, at 19:29 20 Aug 2022

    When you go to your first match or the first of a new season the expanse of green grass greets you as you walk through the tunnel. Steve Braddock made ours the best you could see. Let todays game be in tribute to him and all the wonderful, beautiful pitches and training grounds he presided over. Thank you Steve and much love to your family and friends from the Arsenal fans.

    • Reply posted by Philly the kid, at 19:47 20 Aug 2022

      Philly the kid replied:
      Amen.
      And what kind of person down-votes this post?!!!!
      RIP Steve.

  • Comment posted by Andyt1992, at 19:38 20 Aug 2022

    As an American fan and outsider, it’s so obvious how British media influences opinions with their drama. Last year, 3 games in, I was downvoted into oblivion for asking to give arteta more time. And then saw “10th place at best” predictions get hundreds of likes. Slagging Arteta as if Pep would ever have some idiot as his 2nd in command. Acting like ESR Saka Partet etc werent quality. COYG!

  • Comment posted by PleaseStopTheMadness, at 19:30 20 Aug 2022

    Pains to say this (As a Spurs fan) but the Gunners look pretty impressive! Looking forward to the Derby!

    • Reply posted by Malick, at 19:35 20 Aug 2022

      Malick replied:
      Why are you here as a spurs fan?

  • Comment posted by Kevin Doomlord, at 19:43 20 Aug 2022

    Its not against the likes of Arsenal or Man City that Bournemouth's season will be decided, its against the lower teams like Brighton, Leeds, Fulham and Man United.

    • Reply posted by NotMeEye, at 19:45 20 Aug 2022

      NotMeEye replied:
      True

  • Comment posted by Xgooner49, at 19:34 20 Aug 2022

    Good win. These are teams Arsenal should beat. Not getting ahead of myself at all. 3 down, 35 to go. I can’t wait to see how Arsenal play against the big(ger) boys. Work in progress.

    • Reply posted by The Spin Doctor, at 19:50 20 Aug 2022

      The Spin Doctor replied:
      Arsenal have made a wonderful start to the season, an exact mirror image of last season's start. They just better hope that the reminder of their season is also not an exact mirror image of last season.

  • Comment posted by Pandemania, at 19:31 20 Aug 2022

    Jesus made the first and had another ruled out. He's the difference in this arsenal attack.

    • Reply posted by john, at 19:33 20 Aug 2022

      john replied:
      Trust me it won't last

  • Comment posted by Alan Shaw, at 19:31 20 Aug 2022

    A great start to the season and Arteta's ideas are taking shape nicely. Unlike all the non-Arsenal fans, we do NOT claim we are going to win the league, so don't even start that drivel, okay? cheers!

    • Reply posted by Loadsamoney, at 19:34 20 Aug 2022

      Loadsamoney replied:
      You heard it here first…

      ARSENAL FANS CLAIM THEY HAVE ALREADY WON THE LEAGUE !!

  • Comment posted by Guy Fawkes, at 19:40 20 Aug 2022

    And to think that there was a tsunami of hacked off Gooners calling for Arteta's bonce when things got off to a ropey start.

    It's a very good job for them that Arsenal didn't go the way of the knee jerk, or things could have gone full Man U.

    Arsenal are looking very much the team to beat so far this season.

    Fair play.

    From a friendly spud.

    • Reply posted by NotMeEye, at 19:44 20 Aug 2022

      NotMeEye replied:
      There was never a call for him to fired, I am not nor was I a Arteta fan, never thought he’s as the right person..which I said then, but I and nor did I ever see any real push for him to be fired, few idiots posting for it, but only a few

      Buy spurts n the truth, like spurts n a spine have never met

  • Comment posted by Arthur Tirana, at 19:30 20 Aug 2022

    I'm not saying Jesus wasn't good but surely Odegaard was the main man today, Mr Smith.

    • Reply posted by Ashburton Grove, at 19:33 20 Aug 2022

      Ashburton Grove replied:
      I thought so.

  • Comment posted by Gunner2Grave, at 19:32 20 Aug 2022

    I’ve been saying the same comment every single game!

    SALIBA is worth 150mill Plus!

    Only 21! Could be the best CB in the prem this year!

    Another win COYG!!!

    • Reply posted by Specialist_in_tailoring, at 19:34 20 Aug 2022

      Specialist_in_tailoring replied:
      If Harry Maguire is worth £80 mill, surely he must be worth at least £200 million

  • Comment posted by Mr Biscuits, at 19:34 20 Aug 2022

    A good away win, a good performance. Tougher tests to come.

    • Reply posted by Lets Agree To Disagree, at 19:56 20 Aug 2022

      Lets Agree To Disagree replied:
      Exactly how Arsenal perform against the other big four teams will determine who they truly are.

  • Comment posted by Brian Storey, at 19:32 20 Aug 2022

    Looks like we have a dark horse this season!!

    • Reply posted by Lets Agree To Disagree, at 19:54 20 Aug 2022

      Lets Agree To Disagree replied:
      Looking like a big battle between Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs as to which London club will come out on top this season.

  • Comment posted by LionelRhodes, at 20:15 20 Aug 2022

    Savage & Sutton saying Arsenal have 'made progression' through gritted teeth - and quickly say - they won't make top 4 & Spurs will. What is up with these pundits..? Wolves were the better team for most of the game against Spurs! Shocking ref decisions gifted them a draw against Chelsea. Yet all you hear is - Spurs for top 4 Spurs better then Arsenal Spurs can challenge for the title.

    • Reply posted by Bob, at 20:18 20 Aug 2022

      Bob replied:
      Both have improved and will make top 4

      1. City
      2. Arsenal
      3. Chelsea
      4. Spurs

  • Comment posted by Taxi for Ozil, at 20:15 20 Aug 2022

    I know it’s early days & I am obviously biased, but I am amused by the pundits who keep claiming that Arsenal are unlikely to get top 4 but Spurs are a shoe in! They can’t be watching the same games as me. However, I’m more than happy for us to fly under the radar.

    • Reply posted by pab0967, at 21:37 20 Aug 2022

      pab0967 replied:
      Bookies are better judges than pundits, start of the season got 50-1 on Arsenal winning the PL, they are now 3rd favourites at 12-1, Spurs 14-1 and Chelsea 18-1.

  • Comment posted by NB22, at 19:30 20 Aug 2022

    Story of the match.

    Du do dudu do dudu...SALIBA

    • Reply posted by Philly the kid, at 19:42 20 Aug 2022

      Philly the kid replied:
      Credit to the Arsenal support. We ‘ve always seemed to have the best chants!
      Saka and Emile smith Rowe. Zinchenko (oohh), Saliba’s tequila, even back to ‘one song, we’ve only got one song’…
      Really enjoyed that last one!

  • Comment posted by Scorpionwinger, at 19:34 20 Aug 2022

    It’s not right as an Arsenal supporter to have nothing to moan about. What am I supposed to do tomorrow? Arteta, rapidly becoming the heir to Graham and Wenger…

    • Reply posted by rospur, at 20:01 20 Aug 2022

      rospur replied:
      🤣

  • Comment posted by Ashburton Grove, at 19:31 20 Aug 2022

    Odegaard masterclass.

    Get in Billy boy! Arsenal bringing the fire.

    • Reply posted by Viva Espana, at 21:08 20 Aug 2022

      Viva Espana replied:
      True but 0-3 is not a 'thumping' surely?

  • Comment posted by Only Here For A Good Kvetch, at 19:30 20 Aug 2022

    Loving the haters now. It means we are already starting to scare people. Man City of course are way ahead. But on the form so far, we are coming for second place Liverpool. Best believe it.

    • Reply posted by Tiddlywinks, at 19:43 20 Aug 2022

      Tiddlywinks replied:
      🤣 you should be a comedian petal

  • Comment posted by Al, at 19:31 20 Aug 2022

    Very comfortable but you can only beat what is in front of you. Momentum building and we are looking good for at least a challenge this season.

    • Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 19:44 20 Aug 2022

      Mr and Mrs Banks replied:
      And in front of us was a pretty decent Bournemouth side to be fair. They were fairly organised and had a game plan, good subs at half time that made an impact…
      Arsenal were just better, a lot better.

  • Comment posted by mongoose, at 19:37 20 Aug 2022

    We’ll done arsenal, couldn’t stand the thought of spurs being top for a day, they’d never shut up

    • Reply posted by Mate, at 19:40 20 Aug 2022

      Mate replied:
      A trophy spuds will never win neither, not the modern version anyway! They have to go right back to the sixties

Elsewhere on the BBC

Also in Sport