ARSENAL 3-2 BOURNEMOUTH: PLAYER RATING AND SQUAD  AS PREMIER LEAGUE LEADERS EARN A DRAMATIC VICTORY

Arsenal looked to be in big trouble when they drifted two goals down at home to Bournemouth in Saturday’s Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta’s side managed a second-half comeback through goals from Thomas Partey, Ben White and then a dramatic stoppage time winner from Reiss Nelson to cap off a stunning comeback.

Arsenal conceded after nine seconds but fought back from a 2-0 lead to a thrilling 3-2 win against Bournemouth in a Premier League classic.

Philip Billing stunned the Gunners by shooting from close range into the penalty area in the first minute with Dango Ouattara’s low cross, the second fastest goal in Premier League history.

The Gunners, who have lost Leandro Trossard to injury, launched wave after wave of attack with Martin Odegaard closing in.
Mikel Arteta’s side had 87% possession in the first half and nine corners, but the out-of-form Cherries defended superbly and were very close to extending their lead when Aaron Ramsdale ran off his line to block Ouattara’s shot. The story was similar in the second half as the home side dominated possession and created a number of chances, but the Emirates were again stunned when Marcos Senesi headed in from a corner at the near post to double their advance.

The Gunners reduced their deficit after goalkeeper Neto decided to clear the ball, allowing Emile Smith-Rowe to send the ball back into the box and Thomas Partey was there to score.

Arteta replaced Smith-Rowe, who replaced the injured Trossard, with Reiss Nelson and the substitute made an immediate impression with his cross, which was converted by fellow substitute Ben White in his first goal for the club.

Gary O’Neil’s side looked set to save a point, only for Nelson to make another huge contribution with a soft shot deep in injury time to secure an incredible comeback win for the crazed hosts.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

Arteta made his substitutions on the point.

Starting with Tomiyasu didn’t work out, so White was brought on at halftime. And Arteta made the difficult decision to trade a sub to Smith-Rowe and bring in Nelson which made the difference.

Although they conceded after nine seconds, Arteta and his team didn’t panic. Much like last month’s 4-2 win over Aston Villa, when they conceded again early and needed injury-time goals to win, the Gunners created chance after chance and didn’t give up.

Man OF THE MATCH

Reiss Nelson (Arsenal): He may have only come on in the 69th minute, but Nelson was the match winner with Ben White’s assist for goal and then scored with a magnificent shot in the closing seconds. A memorable cameo for a player who hasn’t been seen much this season. If Arsenal win the league, they will mark this game as one of their biggest victories given the comeback and Manchester City who previously beat Newcastle United.

Highlight of the match

PLAYER REVIEWS

ARSENAL: Ramsdale 8, Tomiyasu 5, Saliba 6, Gabriel 6, Zinchenko 6; Partey 5, Vieira 6, Odegaard 7 Saka 7, Trossard N/A, Martinelli 6. Subs: Smith Rowe 6, White 8, Nelson 9, Xhaka N/A

BOURNEMOUTH: Neto 6, Smith 7, Mepham 8, Stephens 7, Senesi 7, Zemura 7, Ouattara 7, Rothwell 8, Billing 7, Semenyo 7, Solanke 6. Sostituti: Anthony 6, Fredericks 5, Cook 5, Christie n.v.t.