Mikel Arteta's Arsenal ended January with another impressive performance which outlined just how far they have come since his appointment just over a month ago.
The Gunners were in control for virtually the entire match at the Vitality Stadium and were dominant in almost every area of the pitch. In the defensive third, Granit Xhaka continued to slot into his left centre-back position to create space for Bukayo Saka down the left and offer cover to his defenders, in the middle third, Joe Willock found great areas of space to take advantage of and Eddie Nketiah made the difference in the final third with his goal and defensive contributions.
With Saka and Nketiah on the scoresheet, Arsenal already had a foot in the fifth round to ensure there wasn't too much panic when Sam Surridge pulled a goal back in added time.
football.london take a look at some of the talking points from the win at Bournemouth.
The Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli partnership that is brewing
Many of Arsenal's players impressed on the night but an interesting development has been the partnership between Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The pair are both plugging holes in the starting XI bu the way they are doing so is nothing short of impressive.
The understanding between is getting better with each passing game and that was no different at Bournemouth where they picked up from their displays against Sheffield United and Chelsea.
No less than five minutes in was their understanding evident. Joe Willock - who was one of Arsenal's standout players on the night - spread the ball to Martinelli on the edge of the Bournemouth box. Knowing that his left-back was overlapping, the Brazilian halted before laying it into Saka's path for him to rifle into the roof of the net.
With Saka assisting Martinelli against Sheffield United, the forward had returned the favour and the pair reacted by heading straight for each other - similar to what happened at half time against Chris Wilder's side.
Their contributions didn't end there, however. With Xhaka taking up the position that has become his second home under Arteta (adopted left centre-back), Bournemouth struggled to keep hold of the duo on the left wing. Firstly, their forwards were sucked towards the ball which left an open space for Saka to exploit which in turn resulted in Adam Smith having to mark both him and Martinelli.
Smith struggled to cope with the double threat they carried throughout the match. Usually, Martinelli would start on the inside and drift outside where he would take Smith on - he almost handed Nketiah a second goal by doing this. But after running that pattern a few times, the pair reversed. Now Saka would take the inside to occupy Smith, leaving Martinelli free on the touchline.
These are patterns that Arteta worked with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sead Kolasinac on so the fact Saka and Martinelli have been able to pick them up so quickly should be very encouraging.
With them playing so well, even if they aren't the main starting players when Aubameyang and Kolasinac return, they will be great options for the upcoming FA Cup and Europa League matches.
Pablo Mari needed more than ever
Arteta's worst case scenario was realised at Bournemouth when Shkodran Mustafi was stretchered off the pitch in the second half.
Until that point the German hadn't done much wrong - as has been the case for most of this season. He had a couple of shaky moments early on but shook them off and went on to put in a sound defensive performance making two interceptions and three clearances.
"We had a very clear intention of what we wanted to do in the market with the resources we have. If we can do it fine but his (Mustafi's) fitness won't change anything." but there is no question that completing this deal - whether a loan or permanent - will be of utmost importance.
Not just because Arsenal will be another centre-back down following Calum Chambers' season-ending injury, but also because Pable Mari is left-footed. The Spaniard will not just be another body in the building but will add something the Gunners don't have - balance at the back.
The evolution of Granit Xhaka's role since the Spaniard's arrival could hint at why Arteta could be aiming for that balance so much. Especially as the other centre-back Arsenal were linked with this month - Mykola Matviyenko - is also left-footed.
Add the fact that Rob Holding is still not deemed ready to start and getting the 26-year-old to north London - even for just four months - should be a priority.
Eddie Nketiah proves he can lead the line for Arsenal
Holding his run before stroking the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot, Nketiah showed just how valuable he can be for Arsenal in the final third this season. The 20-year-old was very smart in his off the ball movement and clinical once it reached him.
Taking his chance to prove himself against Premier League opposition, the forward didn't just impress by giving the Gunners their two-goal cushion, however.
Replacing Alexandre Lacazette, he had to fulfil the role of an Arteta striker exactly as the Frenchman would. How he worked out of possession was key to this and was how he first got involved in the game.
Acting as the first line of defence, he constantly surveyed Bournemouth's defence and midfield looking for opportunities to steal the ball back for Arsenal. Dropping in, he was able to do this in the first half poking the ball away from Andrew Surman to start quick attacks.
In the second half, he took a more direct approach. With the Cherries trying to slow the game down, he actively pressed them forcing errors in their defensive third of the pitch. Seeing as this has been one of the key aspects of Lacazette's play under Arteta, it was encouraging to see Nketiah could also mix up his game when needed.
"For me it's the courage to play and make big decisions - to not be scared and play safe, that's the difference with these three kids. Eddie again was terrific," Arteta said after the match.
"You look at him on the wing, three seconds later... you see the cross and he's there all the time in the middle of the goal. That's where he scores goals, he's always in the middle of the goal ready to do that and as well the way he works without the ball is terrific."
