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Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth: Declan Rice is a £105m bargain! England midfielder oozes class as Gunners show Man City they're ready to take Premier League title fight to the wire

The Gunners brushed Andoni Iraola's men aside to ensure that they'll end the weekend at the top of the Premier League table

Job done, onto the next one. The outcome of the Premier League title race may still be in Manchester City's hands but Arsenal are proving they're going to take it right to the wire after a convincing 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Completely dominant in the first half, Bukayo Saka got things started as he cooly slotted home from the penalty spot after Kai Havertz had somewhat controversially won a penalty, his tailing leg being caught by Mark Travers as the Cherries goalkeeper rushed out to attempt to snuff out the German.

Andoni Iraola's side started to come into the game in the second half as the nerves formed around the Emirates. The pressure was relieved with a second goal after 70 minutes, however, as Leandro Trossard stroked the ball into the net following excellent work from Declan Rice.

The final 10 minutes saw Gabriel Magalhaes cruelly denied a stunning goal that rocketed into the top corner - with Havertz flagged for offside - before Rice put the icing on the cake to send the Gunners four points clear at the top ahead of Manchester City's trip to Wolves later in the day.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium...

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Had absolutely nothing to do until he was called into action early on in the second half to make a big save to deny Solanke. Was a bit fortunate to get the foul for Bournemouth's disallowed goal.

Ben White (6/10):

Stayed well away from Travers' gloves following the furore caused by his antics at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A strong first half but faded somewhat in the second as he focused more on helping preserve Arsenal's lead.

William Saliba (7/10):

Dealt expertly well with the limited attacking threat Bournemouth provided in the first half especially, keeping the dangerous Solanke at bay.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Solanke gave him some problems in the second half but yet another clean sheet in what has been a formidable season for him and Saliba. Robbed of an absolute worldie of a goal due to Havertz being marginally offside.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10):

Solid enough at left-back and was useful in the air in Bournemouth's box, so much so that he almost claimed an assist in the first half following a clever knock-down.

Midfield

Declan Rice Arsenal 2023-24

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

A typically bright and creative performance from the Norwegian, although he was a little loose with his finishing as Arsenal searched for more goals.

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Was the wrong man in the right place at times in the first half as he wasted a couple of decent goalscoring opportunities. His presence in the team is vital, though, allowing Rice more freedom to go and create.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Lashed one of the bigger chances - of which there were absolutely dozens - of the first half wastefully wide before laying one on a plate for Trossard for the second goal with a delightful flick. Burst into the box in stoppage time and smashed home to make it 3-0.

Attack

Kai Havertz Bukayo Saka Arsenal 2023-24

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Calmness personified as he sent Travers the wrong way to slide home the opener from the spot. Worrying scenes early on after he was wiped out by an awful knee-high challenge from Ryan Christie but recovered from that and produced another strong performance.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Really clever play to win the penalty after Travers foolishly flew off his line to confront the German forward in the box. Found pockets of space throughout and led the line well as his excellent season continued.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Had been largely ineffective until he swept home the second goal of the game at a time when the Emirates was starting to get nervous.

Subs & Manager

Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2023-24

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

On for Trossard after 81 minutes and should've probably scored when he immediately raced through but delayed for too long and couldn't get his shot away.

Gabriel Jesus (N/A):

Introduced for Saka with a just a few minutes remaining and claimed the assit for Rice's goal.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

They keep on winning! Arteta resisted the urge to make any changes after the narrow win over Tottenham, with his side getting the job done once again here. They're still in it and they're certainly not going away with two games to go. Over to you, Man City.

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