AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal Player Ratings: Declan Rice Heroics Secure Crucial 3-2 Win for the Gunners

The Vitality Stadium was mesmerized as the hosts scored the opening goal against Arsenal. It was a chaotic, end-to-end affair that ultimately saw Arsenal edge out a spirited AFC Bournemouth in a five-goal thriller. One of the best clubs in the world Arsenal made an instant comeback after conceding early. This Premier League fixture had everything written on it. This was a classic encounter full of twists and turns, with phenomenal goals and assists from both the EPL teams.

The Cherries came out of the gates flying. They stunned the visitors early on when Evanilson fired them into the lead. It felt like an upset could be on the cards. However, Arsenal, as they often do, found a way back almost immediately through a powerful strike from Gabriel Magalhães.

The second half, though, was the Declan Rice show. He grabbed the match by his midfield geniuses, scoring two exceptional goals to put the Gunners in control. A late goal from Bournemouth's substitute Junior Kroupi made for a nail-biting finish, but Mikel Arteta's men held on for a vital three points on the road. Let's take a look at the AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal Player Ratings from the exciting Premier League clash.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs AFC Bournemouth

Goalkeeper

David Raya - 6.0: A difficult day for Raya, who conceded twice. He wasn't directly at fault for the goals but looked a little shaky. His distribution wasn't as crisp as usual, losing possession 13 times. He made one save, but it was an afternoon where he looked less than assured. We noticed some hesitation in his game.

Defenders

William Saliba - 6.5: A typically composed performance from the Frenchman for the most part. He won five of his six duels which is impressive. However, he was part of a backline that looked vulnerable and conceded twice. Solid, but not spectacular by his high standards.

Piero Hincapié - 6.5: What stood out to us was his efficiency in duels, winning a remarkable 80% of them. He was strong in the tackle and even created a chance going forward. A very steady and reliable performance on the left side of the defence.

Gabriel Magalhães - 7.0: A real mixed bag from Gabriel. He scored a brilliant and vital equaliser with a thumping left-footed finish. Defensively, he was a whirlwind, making seven clearances but also committing a couple of clumsy fouls. The goal really boosts his rating in a chaotic performance.

Jurriën Timber - 6.5: He had his hands full all game. Made some crucial interventions, including three interceptions and two blocked shots. However, he was also dribbled past and seemed to struggle at times with Bournemouth's quick attacks. A busy and battling display.

Midfielders

Martin Ødegaard - 7.0: The captain was his usual creative self, picking up an assist for Rice's first goal. He was always looking for that killer pass. From our perspective, he wasn't as dominant as he can be but still showed his quality before being substituted. His influence was clear.

Martín Zubimendi - 6.5: A true workhorse performance. He recovered the ball an incredible 10 times, showcasing his great reading of the game. The yellow card and losing possession nine times slightly tarnish his rating. A very industrious if imperfect outing.

Declan Rice - 9.0: Simply sensational. The clear Man of the Match and the highest-rated player. He single-handedly won this game for Arsenal with a magnificent brace. His first was a world-class strike from distance, and his second was a composed, clinical finish. A truly dominant midfield display.

Forwards

Gabriel Martinelli - 6.0: A surprisingly quiet game from Martinelli. He struggled to get involved and make his mark on the proceedings. He only had 25 touches before being taken off. One of those days where things just didn't click for him.

Viktor Gyökeres - 5.5: We expected more from the big striker. He was completely isolated and ineffective, losing six of his eight duels. It was no surprise to see him substituted. A performance to forget for him.

Noni Madueke - 6.0: Showed flashes of his dribbling ability and caused a few problems. However, his final product was missing. He got into good positions but couldn't deliver the decisive pass or shot. A frustrating afternoon for the winger.

Substitutes

Bukayo Saka (for Madueke, 67') - 7.0: Made an immediate impact. He came on and immediately provided the assist for Rice's second goal. His directness and quality changed the game.

Gabriel Jesus (for Gyökeres, 66') - 6.0: Was much more involved than the man he replaced, linking up play better. Didn't get a clear sight of the goal, though.

Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 67') - 6.0: Looked tidy in possession but couldn't find a way to break down the Bournemouth defence in his cameo.

Mikel Merino (for Ødegaard, 80') - N/A: Brought on late to see the game out and didn't have enough time to influence the play.

Manager

M. Arteta - 7.5: His team secured a crucial win, but he'll be concerned by the defensive frailties they showed. His substitutions were masterful, especially the introduction of Saka, which directly led to the winning goal. He got the job done under pressure.

AFC Bournemouth Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Goalkeeper

Djordje Petrovic - 5.5: A tough afternoon for the keeper, conceding three goals. In fairness, he stood little chance with Rice's brilliant strikes. He made a few punches and clearances but was ultimately on the losing side of a clinical attacking display.

Defenders

Adrien Truffert - 6.0: Had a difficult time dealing with Arsenal's wingers. He tried to contribute offensively with some crosses but was often caught between attacking and defending. A challenging game for the fullback.

Marcos Senesi - 5.5: From our perspective, he was one of the worst performers on the pitch. He lost possession a staggering 18 times and looked uncomfortable against Arsenal's forwards. A really difficult game for the centre-back.

Álex Jiménez - 6.0: An aggressive performance, perhaps too much so, as he committed three fouls. He struggled to contain the fluid movement of the Arsenal attack. Tried to get forward but his efforts were in vain.

James Hill - 7.0: Bournemouth's best player by a distance. He was a colossal presence at the back, making nine clearances and a crucial last-man tackle. Won all of his duels in a dominant defensive display, despite the scoreline.

Midfielders

David Brooks - 6.0: The captain had a few moments, including a couple of shots, but he couldn't impose himself on the game. He worked hard but lacked that spark of quality before being subbed off.

Alex Scott - 6.5: A battling performance in the heart of midfield. He won his tackles and drew fouls to relieve pressure. A really solid and energetic shift that gave his team a foothold in the middle of the park.

Marcus Tavernier - 7.0: He was a constant threat for Bournemouth. Took four shots and was always looking to drive his team forward. His energy and willingness to take risks were impressive; a real bright spot for the home side.

Justin Kluivert - 7.0: Looked very dangerous before his injury-enforced substitution. He created three chances and his crossing was a problem for Arsenal's defence all afternoon. A shame his game was cut short.

Antoine Semenyo - 6.5: A chaotic but effective performance. He was everywhere, making tackles, drawing fouls, and carrying the ball. His energy was infectious, though he was a bit wild at times and earned a yellow card for his troubles.

Forwards

Evanilson - 7.0: Took his opening goal with great composure to give his team a dream start. He was a physical handful for the Arsenal defenders, but his tendency to lose possession was a problem. A mixed performance but his goal was huge.

Substitutes

Junior Kroupi (for Scott, 74') - 7.5: An incredible cameo. He came on and scored a fantastic goal from distance to give his team a lifeline. A real super-sub performance, even if he did get booked.

Lewis Cook (for Kluivert, 74') - 7.0: Made a difference after coming on, providing the assist for Kroupi's goal. Looked composed and added a touch of class to the midfield.

Amine Adli (for Brooks, 67') - 6.0: Struggled to get into the pace of the game after his introduction.

Enes Ünal (for Evanilson, 74') - 6.0: Battled hard up front but was starved of any real service in his short time on the pitch.

Manager

A. Iraola - 6.5: His side showed tremendous fight and character. They started brilliantly and never gave up, pushing Arsenal all the way. His substitutions were positive and almost earned them a point. He will be proud of the effort, if not the result.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Declan Rice