William Saliba capped a superb display for Arsenal
(Picture: REUTERS)Arsenal went top of the Premier League as their third win on the spin maintained their perfect start to the season.
The Gunners came out of the blocks flying on the south coast against Bournemouth, with Martin Odegaard scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes.
Mikel Arteta’s side proceeded to dominate the first-half after that and Bournemouth didn’t have a shot on goal before the break.
Arsenal then wrapped up the three points nine minutes into the second-half after William Saliba curled home a lovely effort.
Simon Collings was at the Vitality Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
Aaron Ramsdale - 6
Had very little to do all game and could have grabbed himself a deck chair from the local beach really. Distribution a tad shaky, though.
Ben White - 8
Is doing a very good job at right-back and Takehiro Tomiyasu will have to work hard to get back in the team. Linked up well with Saka for the second goal.
William Saliba - 9 | Star player
What a performance from the centre-back. Dominant at the back as he dealt with Kieffer Moore and so composed on the ball. Topped off his display with a stunning goal.
Gabriel - 7
Outshone by Saliba next to him, but the Brazilian still had a good game. Excellent in the air and made one vital clearance from a corner when Arsenal were almost caught out.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 8
We should probably stop calling him a left-back as he barely spent any of the game there. Tucked into midfield and excelled. Has raised Arsenal’s level.
Martin Odegaard - 9
He has been fairly quiet in Arsenal’s opening two games, but the captain burst into life here with a brace. Took the second one very well.
IT'S ØDEGAARD AGAIN! 2-0! ⚡⚡
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 20, 2022
Arsenal are running riot on the seaside...🔴 #BOUARS pic.twitter.com/WxhBkrb3jQ
Thomas Partey - 7
Neat and tidy as he sat in front of the defence. Comfortable in possession and helped Arsenal dominant the ball, particularly in the first-half.
Granit Xhaka - 7
Another good game from the Switzerland international, who assisted Saliba for Arsenal’s third goal. Is revelling in the freedom he has to bomb forward.
Bukayo Saka - 6
The quietest of Arsenal’s front-three, but he still had a solid enough game. Linked up nicely with White for the second goal.
Gabriel Jesus - 8
Deserved an assist for his work in the build-up to Arsenal’s opening goal. He has transformed the attack with his pace and tenacity. Had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside.
Gabriel Martinelli - 8
Continued his bright start to the season by claiming an assist. Looked lively and caused Bournemouth problems with his pace in behind.
Substitutions
Emile Smith Rowe (Odegaard 74’) - N/A
Eddie Nketiah (Martinelli 74’) - N/A
Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 75’) - N/A
Albert Sambi Lokonga (Xhaka 88’) - N/A
Kieran Tierney (Saka 88’) - N/A
