Player Ratings: Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal

Two goals from Declan Rice secured victory for Arsenal at Bournemouth: Find out who impressed as the Gunners moved seven points clear of Manchester City 

Find out who impressed as the Gunners beat Bournemouth 3-2 to move seven points clear of Manchester City 

David Raya: 8/10 - playing about at the back finally caught up with us tonight Jeff. Would Arteta ring the changes after a disappointing first 45 minutes at the Vitality? No. The boss kept the faith. To be fair Raya was a lot better in the second half when he pushed further upfield, bit of disappointing hand use along the way.

Jurrien Timber 8/10 - missing his usual dance partner Starboy down the right with him tonight, he still tried his best to link well with Madueke, and was up in the opposing box as the corners continued to rain in late in the game, so let’s not hear that we didn’t go for it.

William Saliba: 8/10 - somewhat stunned to have lost his clean sheet so carelessly, through no fault of his own, will be delighted with the massive three points gained after a pulsating game, and a well hard earned triumph away from home to boot.

Gabriel: 8.5/10 - 10 minutes, wow that’s a gimmee, less  said, I don’t even have, just wow. Five minutes later atonement, it’s 1-1 after some great work on the right by Madueke. Our King of Brazil's redemption is complete on 19 minutes when he is spotted by yours truly willing Semanyo to not sign for City, as Arsenal make a last-minute swoop for him - don't forget you read it here first. Peak housery, it’s a bonus point from me Jim.

Piero Hincapie: 8/10 - immediately comes to life when Leo Trossard got on the pitch, as did the Arsenal away end, 2-1 to the good, Saka on for Noni, Jesus up front and also having a chinwag with paddy weighing up whether he should get up and sing it again. Of course he should - 70 minutes it’s 3-1, it’s Rice again, he’s the man today.

Declan Rice: 9/10 - stole the show in a thrilling end to end battle with Bournemouth. 53 minutes Martin Odegaard tees it on a plate for our super half price Rice to stroke it home to make it 2-1. Same result as he adds his second from Saka’s cool assist, captain or not he has led this team to the win today make no mistake about it Hamish!

Martin Zubimendi: 8/10 - one of those grounds he will come away from better for the experience you can only get from playing in the Premier League. On paper it should be a doddle, in reality Bournemouth more than played their part in a  thrilling encounter today - as Arsenal edfge it 3-2 at the close.

Martin Odegaard: 8/10 - instrumental in midfield today, laid on an assist, probed and prodded and ultimately delivered the goods, subbed off for Merino on 79 minutes, having what I felt was a decent game Bob.

Noni Madueke: 8.5/10 - eight minutes he bamboozles himself into shooting high and wide after doing all the hard work, wreaks havoc for Arsenals equaliser, infectious energy in getting us corners, subbed off for Saka, Noni played a blinder today.

Viktor Gyokeres: 6/10 - no changes at half time, feed the Gyok, or get that silver haired chestnut stealing, diminutive, impish, squirrel in the box who goes by the name of Leo Trossard onto this pitch asap, these skin fades can only bring so much goodwill, needs one to bobble in off any part of his body pretty rapidly, oiked off on 66 minutes for Jesus.

Gabriel Martineli: 7.5/10 - good lord it doesn’t make for pleasant viewing this afternoon, no movement no link up play with Gyokeres who is giving a strikers performance only Lee Chapman would or could be proud of, we need a second goal here, Rice provides it thank goodness, and then a third. 3-2 Arsenal.

Substitutes:

Jesus: 7/10 - save a prayer for this armchair supporter pundit here as Bournemouth threaten to ruin my day as the clock ticks down, he looks as sharp as any other player I have seen and its great to have him back, run that clock down.

Bukayo Saka: 7.5/10 - Starboy with the assist, off the bench, boom explosive pace, what a treat to be able to bring your best player off the bench, ooh wee, if this is what it takes to land silverware I’ll take it.

Leo Trossard: 7/10 - quite the triple substitution this, 76 minutes it’s 3-2 as the Cherries pull one back, he draws a yellow card from a Bournemouth player, they’ve pushed us all the way today. No chestnuts to be found today, the three points will suffice.

Mikel Merino: 7/10 - be the perfect time to get a bonus cinnamon bun with a late fourth, run the clock down, keep it as far away from our goal as is humanely possible.

View From The Armchair Verdict:

The fianl whinstle is blown as The Arsenal secure a vital victoy at the Vitality.

It’s a beautiful sight to behold as the Arsenal collectively decide attack is the best form of defence.

If you can do it sustainably, without accruing a mountain of debt that might never ever get paid off, all the merrier for it.

Concordia, onwards, to silverware.

Let’s go!! COYG!!