Really good half to see. I said after the second goal the most pleasing part is there is an obvious game plan and tactic of shape and how to move the ball and create the space. The players need to put it in to action but it’s so nice to see a gameplan that our opponents struggle to work out how to stop.
Xhaka in as a left centre back, Saka pushed very high, Harry Wilson on bmouth’s right isn’t the best defensively and hasn’t got a clue of whether to press Xhaka and get passed around easily or sit off him and let him dictate the game.
Some plays straight out of the Pep playbook, overload one side of the pitch, usually the right, ensure the left winger (saka) stays as high and wide as possible and then switch the ball to him once you’ve sucked in enough of their players. Both goals came that way

Mustafi has hurt his bonce properly.

Get that Brazilian to turn his plane around.

I think it's his ankle.

Holding is a worry. Unconvincing.

See what I mean?

Sokratis excellent at the back
Guendouzi fantastic in midfield, barely missed a pass, was a pest for them and had the crowd booing him like every good CM should do away from home
Saka brilliant, to think he’s barely played much first team football at all let alone any at left back.

We’ll get stronger tests, especially teams who don’t sit of us like Bournemouth did first half but that first half performance must please Arteta a lot

I have a concern Holding isn’t the player he was before his injury. Prior he was always a progressive and mobile defender who would use his mobility to dig in try and Nick the ball ahead of the attacker. Think of how he did Mertesackers running for him in the chelsea cup final. Fast and reactive.

Now he seems almost completely immobile. He just seems to not want to move at all. When he went to chase down a ball near the corner flag he looked so tired and laboured. Just seems not to want to run or move at all and isn’t reacting because of it. I think he looks shot to pieces and fear he won’t be the same. Might need a loan to test it.

Listen up Kazkh Boy ....wouldn't it have been a lot quicker to say ... " Gosh Kiwi you really nailed that .....that was such a visionary comment "
...... instead of giving it the Exiled cut and polish .

Struggling to see how Pépé is worth 72 million ; on tonight's performance I'd think Willock is worth more .

And what a strike by Saka. I love that noise where it sounds like the net rips when it skids along the inside of the roof like that. Gave it the full beans - love it.

Hi Rich,

Saka could genuinely be the new Ashley Cole. So much of the modern game is about the attacking prowess of fullbacks and he looks like he can attack and defend.

Good to see the younger players have a go at it, and doing well. Kudos Arteta!

We must hang on to Saka. He will be targeted by top teams soon.

Good to see the younger players have a go at it, and doing well. Kudos Arteta!

We must hang on to Saka. He will be targeted by top teams soon.

Sorry Pete, I can't help hoping I'll come up with a line that will impress Daz. The cross I bear.

Gosh Kiwi you really nailed that about Willock...that was such a etc.

Joking aside there were two different games played out there and MoM for the first half was Willock by a country mile but having talked about his limitations recently I was really happy that Gwen was my MoM for the second half.

At the pub tonight I got asked which name I'd have on a shirt. I've never been into that because apart from anything else it costs more and most matches you've got a jacket on anyway but I got pressed. Thought about it and it had to be Sokratis. Not the best, not what I'd aspire to be in my winning the Cup Final for the Arsenal dreams. No, but he's the guy who can't give less than 100% if he tried and with that face you could take him down the casino after the game to play some poker.

Right now no-one outside Arsenal is talking about Saka and as much as you want him to get the plaudits it is much better this way.

It won’t happen but I’ve seen some suggest he could be a wildcard for the England squad for the euros. Chilwell is the first choice left back, there is shaw and rose neither of whom are playing well. I think it is too early and it is better for him not to be thrust in to that spotlight just yet.

I agree Rich. I think it’s good that Saka is largely falling under the radar. I also hope he doesn’t get into the England set up before the Euro thingy coming up. I doubt he will either. From the days when I recall genuinely great players like Simpson and Armstrong never winning a cap it now seems they’re handed out like confetti to Barnet Sunday League players who managed to string three simple ten yard sideways passes direct to a teammate in a row.

I don’t think Saka has yet done enough to make an international breakthrough. He still has so much to do. Hence I’m happy for him to remain unnoticed outside Arsenal fans seeing him as highly promising.

Saka was at a South London school and a few weeks ago, I met his former PE teacher. He spoke in the most glowing terms about Saka - had nothing but praise for him as a student and as a lad. He said he was as pleasant and genuine a lad as anyone in the school had ever taught and he was extremely popular with his peer group. Apparently he visits the school regularly and keeps in regular touch with teachers and old schoolmates alike.

Good to hear.

Although I’ve been to Bournemouth before for weekend breaks, that was my first away game there so another to add to the list. I was only able to get a ticket because of the increased allocation for cup games. I can’t for league games.

Hope Mustafi’s injury isn’t too bad as he had such a good game. Saka was also excellent but Guendouzi gets my man of the match. From the kick off to the end he barely put a foot wrong and in effect ran the game. Xhaka and Willock are worth a mention, and Belllerin. Shame Bournemouth got a late consolation but no real harm done. Hope they go down with such a small ground, and I fully expect them to.

Saka was at a South London school and a few weeks ago, I met his former PE teacher. He spoke in the most glowing terms about Saka - had nothing but praise for him as a student and as a lad. He said he was as pleasant and genuine a lad as anyone in the school had ever taught and he was extremely popular with his peer group. Apparently he visits the school regularly and keeps in regular touch with teachers and old schoolmates alike.

Good to hear.