Premier League
Arsenal Hammer Bournemouth Ahead Of North London Derby
Arsenal put five past Bournemouth at the Emirates Wednesday night to complete the season double over Eddie Howe’s side. The Gunners have hit their stride over the past three matches and will head into the match Saturday against Spurs brimming with confidence after a 5-1 win.
Bournemouth’s miserable record against the Premier League’s top-6 continued. The Cherries have lost 10 of 11 on the road against England’s elite and couldn’t provide much resistance on the night. The South coast side deserve some sympathy as they were beset by a host of injuries. Mainstays Cook, Stanislas, Wilson and Brooks were all absentees. The result was predictable. Arsenal shared the goals around with Özil, Mkhitaryan, Koscielny, Aubameyang and Lacazette all getting on the scoresheet.
Özil and Mkhitaryan Master Class Paces the Gunners
Mesut Özil
Stop the presses, but Arsenal are a better team with Mesut Özil, one of the world’s best creative players. Shocking, I know. Somehow Arsenal have managed to complicate that seemingly simple concept.The German was sharp for the third consecutive match and is making Emery’s decision to limit his playing time for the majority of the season appear highly questionable.
Özil’s recent performances have been superb, and they haven’t felt unsustainable. He has simply done what he has done for his entire Arsenal career when given consistent games – produced. It’s tough to know what has gone on behind the scenes between Emery and Özil, but the two must put aside their differences if the Gunners are going to qualify for the Champions League.
Özil was a joy to watch all evening. Perhaps the best moment came in the fourth minute. Played through on goal, he chipped Boruc in goal to send Arsenal on their way. Closer inspection revealed it was no ordinary chip. Instead, he lived up to his wizard moniker by striking the ball into the ground in order to have it bounce over the keeper for his fifth on the year. It was reminiscent of his 2016 wonder-goal against Chelsea.
Twenty minutes later, a horrendous Bournemouth turnover resulted in Özil being in on goal again. This time he feigned a shot to commit the keeper before laying off a pass for Mkhitaryan to slam into the open net. His sterling performance was nearly capped with a second-half goal, but the shot was denied by the woodwork.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Arsenal have plenty to be happy about over their last three matches. The form of Mkhitaryan is arguably at the top of the list. The Armenian has been in London for a year and has yet to truly impress. His lowest point came recently when he was out injured for six long weeks. After taking a few games to regain fitness, he has hit a rich vein of form. This was likely his best match in an Arsenal shirt.
After scoring Arsenal’s second, Mkhitaryan turned provider. He blew the match open with an drawn ball assist to Koscielny following a short corner routine just after halftime. Ten minutes later, he finally reestablished his Dortmund connection with Aubameyang which had been missing for far too long. A gorgeous through ball sent the striker on a breakaway for Arsenal’s fourth. Withdrawn with a half hour remaining, Mkhitaryan barely put a foot wrong all night.
Guendouzi Error Provides Unnecessary Stress for Gunners
Arsenal were two goals to the good and comfortable in the match before Bournemouth struck against the run of play. Guendouzi got caught dwelling on the ball 18 yards from goal and was violently dispossessed. There was a hint of a foul, but the ref seemed to be as disappointed with Guendouzi’s decision making as the fans and allowed play to continue. Leno came out to deny the shot but the ball was simply squared to Mousset who tapped into an empty net for 2-1. Arsenal were again denied their elusive clean sheet, as Leno has conceded in all but three of his 21 league games. Thankfully the Gunners were able to overcome the error.
Carelessness in the back is becoming a concern for Guendouzi. He was similarly relieved of possession by Jesus against City before the Brazilian squandered his breakaway. Also, on a night when Arsenal were scoring for fun, Guendouzi again couldn’t find his first league goal or assist. Emery clearly adores the French teenager, as he has played him the most games of any player on the team. However, his form has dipped and fatigue may be understandably setting in. Emery needs to give serious consideration to limiting his minutes until the end of the season.
Emery Left with Big Decisions for Showdown at Spurs
With Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea today, Arsenal will enter the match only four points behind their arch rivals for third place. Arsenal have a dreadful record away to Spurs recently, but this will be Emery’s first such fixture. The Spaniard will hope his side are due for a positive result at Spurs, particularly given the Gunners’ superior recent form.
The result could very well come down to Emery’s decisions regarding his formation and lineup. The choice between a five and four man defense will be key. Arsenal began with five defenders against Bournemouth but switched to a back four later in the match. The Gunners have looked far better with a back four, but Emery has shown he prefers the safety of an added defender away from home.
Emery’s team selection will be just as important. Jenkinson was given a rare start at right back on Wednesday, but Lichtsteiner, Maitland-Niles or Mustafi will likely appear in that role Saturday. The decision whether to start Guendouzi in midfield will be vital as well. Xhaka was rested for this match but will surely restore his partnership with Torriera Saturday. Will Emery decide to also force Guendouzi into a side with three defensive midfielders, or will he prefer to play with an attacking midfielder instead?
If so, will that player be Ramsey or Özil? With Ramsey rested Wednesday and Özil playing the full 90 minutes, the Welshman appears like he will get the nod. Though omitting Özil in current form seems criminal. Lastly, will Lacazette and Aubameyang start together having both scored in this match, or will one be saved as an impact-sub?
“We’re coming for you, we’re coming for you. Tottenham Hotspur, we’re coming for you,” will be the song from the Gooners until Saturday.
Photo credit to Arsenal via Twitter
