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28th February 2019 15 Replies
Bournemouth Review: Mesut Takes The Miki
Arsenal 5 – 1 AFC Bournemouth
You can only beat the opposition in front of you and
despite six changes to the starting line-up, Arsenal
did just that and then some. Bournemouth
resembled a punch-drunk boxer by the end of the
first hour and ended up on the canvas thanks to
Alexandre Lacazette’s fine free-kick.
At the centre of the performance were Mesut Özil
and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Both produced their best
moments since Moses stepped out his reed basket
to give us the perfect start. Özil scored in the fourth
minute to give us the lead with his now-trademark
finish. Fair play to the Telegraph for asking the
question “ Has Mesut Ozil invented his own finish –
the Ozil chop?” in their headline. Only two years too
late...
The German turned provider, setting up the
Armenian for a simple finish after Bournemouth
gifted possession with a sloppy cross-field pass.
Arsenal in the ascendancy and set fair for a
comfortable victory which is the cue for us to shoot
ourselves in the foot.
Matteo Guendouzi took aim and fired. Collecting the
ball on the edge of the area, he needed to quickly
distribute the ball to his right. Instead, he invited a
challenge and duly fell to earth; the referee
signalled play on and in an almost carbon copy of
Mkhitaryan’s finish, halved the deficit. It’s a sharp
learning curve for the youngster but one he has to
take to heart quickly. That moment doesn’t define
his season, however.
Half-time came not as a relief, I think that’s too
strong, but time for a breather. Whatever Unai
Emery said, had the desired effect. The social
media logic emerged that the Spaniard has “won”
the dressing room, whatever the hell that means.
Seconds Out…
Ninety seconds into the second half, Koscielny’s
shot found its way into the net, with Artur Boruc
clawing the ball back with a look of total
resignation at conceding. Which relaxed us and
killed off what little fighting spirit Bournemouth
possessed.
It set the scene for the strikers to take over.
Aubameyang rammed in the follow-up to
Koscielny’s goal but it mattered not; the ball had
already crossed the line. Sensing Bournemouth’s
weakness, he became increasingly desperate to
score and when the opportunity presented itself, did
so with consumate ease.
Mkhitarayan countered and as opponents closed
him down, sent a lovely pass spinning into
Aubameyang’s path. A blink of an eye later, the ball
was in the net with defenders and goalkeeper left
trailing in PEA’s wake. Lacazette finished off the
scoring with a touch of class.
From 1 to whatever, nobody had a bad game.
Guendouzi’s wasn’t the only mistake made but
certainly the costliest. However, in the scheme of
things, it is just a part of his learning curve, nothing
else.
Standout performers Özil and Mkhitarayan could do
no wrong as far as this match was concerned. In
playing so well, they underlined where the bar must
be set for the future. Can they reproduce against
better opponents? We will find out this weekend.
I suspect the 3-4-3 formation will return at Wembley
at the weekend with Torreira and Xhaka at the heart
of the midfield. The game will be more physically
demanding than last night and that will be the
question mark over Özil. Let’s not beat about the
bush; if Özil couldn’t handle the physicality of
Bournemouth away, the North London Derby is
another level. In Emery’s mind, is the German ready
to handle that match?
If he plays, then Ramsey and Lacazette will be on
the bench.
Give The Man A Hand
Unai Emery spoke afterwards about whether the pair
will play:
We are speaking and we want to get our identity
first, be competitive – and being competitive how?
First is being organised with our quality and skills,
our combinations with different players in different
systems and it depends in each match. After is the
intensity with the ball and without the ball. The last
matches we are doing this. Saturday is the same,
but with every player can be okay. This is what we
want and I think every player is convinced to do that,
and we can use different players in different
matches, but the idea is that every player can play
with this idea.
I’m guessing the extent of Koscielny’s injury will tip
the balance in whether it is a three or four. Mustafi
was absent, the jitters weren’t; we’re just a jittery
defence at the moment, it seems. I should think,
however, he will return with Kolasinac seemingly
nursing himself through games.
Those are thoughts for tomorrow. What remains of
today is just enjoying last night’s win.
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