Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth: Rice impresses again as Gunners well beaten by Bournemouth | OneFootball

Arsenal drop points again in the Premier League

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Arsenal made it one win in their last five Premier League games after they were beaten by Bournemouth.

Bournemouth, however, scored twice in the space of eight second-half minutes as Dean Huijsen and then Evanilson struck.

Arsenal stay second in the Premier League after the defeat, but Manchester City are now only three points off them in third.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Almost gifted Bournemouth a goal with a poor pass when trying to play out from the back. Will be disappointed to concede from two set-pieces. Shaky.

Ben White 6

Handed a start after Jurrien Timber missed out due to a knock. Troubled by Dango Ouattara’s pace at times, but lively going forward.

William Saliba 7

Made a brilliant tackle in the first half when Ouattara was racing through on goal. Often the last line of defence and performed better than most on a poor afternoon.

A frustrating day out for the Gunners

REUTERS

Jakub Kiwior 6

Almost punished when he slipped in the box, but Evanilson headed Milos Kerkez’s cross over the bar. Outshone by Saliba.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

Played some lovely line-breaking passes, one of which Bukayo Saka almost scored from. Another good showing from the teenager.

Martin Odegaard 6

Created Arsenal’s goal with a lovely through-ball that Rice capitalised on. Guilty of poor marking, however, as Evanilson scored Bournemouth’s second goal.

Thomas Partey 6

Back in the team after being suspended for Tuesday’s draw with Paris Saint-Germain. Not as commanding or controlling as he usually is.

Rice the goalscorer stood out

AFP via Getty Images

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

Restored to an advanced role and looked back to his best. Took his goal really well and has now found the net eight times this season.

Bukayo Saka 6

Had a fairly quiet first half, but came alive after the break. Was inches away from scoring with a curling effort after he cut in off the left flank.

Leandro Trossard 6

Given the nod over Mikel Merino and had a decent game. Drifted around a lot and often cropped up out wide.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Started fast and created two chances from Rice inside the opening 20 minutes. Wasted a good chance in the first half when he dragged a shot wide.

Substitutions

Mikel Merino (Rice 74’) N/A

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Zinchenko 86’) N/A

Ethan Nwaneri (Saka 86’) N/A

Subs not used: Setford, Tierney, Zinchenko, Clarke, Gower, Butler-Oyedeji