Bournemouth came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 in their Premier League match thanks to goals from Callum Wilson and Jordon Ibe.
Below are four talking points from the Vitality Stadium.
1. Bournemouth fight back to collect important three points
When Eddie Howe’s side fell behind to Hector Bellerin’s strike in the 52nd minute, it was difficult to see a way back for the hosts. They may have trailed by just a single goal, but Arsenal had begun to take control of proceedings towards the end of the first half and were regularly exploiting gaps in the final third of the pitch, most notably behind left wing-back Charlie Daniels.
The Cherries regrouped soon after, though, and began to cause Arsene Wenger’s men problems at the other end of the field. Bournemouth were bolder and more aggressive for the final half-hour, which brought them a vital victory and moved them up to 13th in the table.
2. Lacazette struggles as Gunners spearhead
With Alexis Sanchez seemingly on his way to Manchester and Mesut Ozil – who could also depart the Emirates Stadium this month – nursing a knee injury, the attacking responsibility fell on Alexandre Lacazette here. Unfortunately for Arsenal, the France international was unable to deliver the goods.
Lacazette is now without a goal in his last nine appearances in all competitions, and he rarely looked like ending that drought on Sunday. It is true that the former Lyon man did not receive a great deal of quality service on the south coast, but his movement could have been much sharper and he did not do enough to help Arsenal avoid their sixth defeat of the campaign.
3. Goal and assist for the lively Wilson
Ryan Fraser and Ibe struggled to get into the game in the first half, with lone striker Wilson consequently left isolated up against the visitors’ back three. The 25-year-old was key to Bournemouth’s comeback, though, scoring the first after a magnificent cross from Fraser and then providing the assist for Ibe’s winner.
Wilson has now found the net six times in his 13 Premier League outings this season, which is a particularly impressive tally when you consider the two serious knee injuries he has suffered in recent years. He was a handful up front on Sunday afternoon, and was ultimately the decisive figure in Bournemouth turning zero points into three.
4. Wilshere dominates midfield against former club
The one positive for Arsenal was the performance of Wilshere, who continued his resurgence in the heart of midfield. The 26-year-old’s loan spell at the Vitality was a little underwhelming last term, but his displays in recent weeks have largely been excellent.
Wilshere conducted Arsenal’s play here, feeding the ball into the front three and scampering forward from midfield. Ozil and Sanchez are certain to be playing their football elsewhere at the start of 2018/19, but the Gunners must resolve Wilshere’s future – he too is out of contract in June – as soon as possible.
