German gets another assist and also a goal in a 2-0 win
Arsenal are top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win against AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium this evening.
The Gunners went into the game off the back of a 4-0 shock defeat at the hands of Southampton, while Bournemouth drew 0-0 in their Boxing Day clash with Crystal Palace.
In response to the shock defeat on the south coast, Arsene Wenger made four changes, with Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal, Mathieu Flamini and Joel Campbell making way for Gabriel Paulista, Kieran Gibbs, Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Match Summary
After a nervy opening, Arsenal finally started to find their feet and they took the lead just shy of the half-hour mark as Gabriel converted from a Mesut Ozil corner.
It was yet another assist from the German, while Gabriel scored his first goal for the North London club.
Corners were the main threat for Arsenal in the first-half, with Gabriel coming close to doubling Arsenal’s lead, only to be denied by Artur Boruc before Per Mertesacker failed to react quick enough to turn home.
Chances were few and far between in the match, but Arsenal did score once again, and this time Ozil found the back of the net himself after lovely passing with Olivier Giroud.
The striker played through Ozil, who calmly slotted past Boruc.
With Leicester City playing tomorrow, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, while Bournemouth stay 16th in the league.
Match Reaction
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: “There was a little hesitancy at the start after our bad result on Saturday but slowly we got into the game and after that we created chances.
“After a disappointing result, not dropping points once again was most important for us.”
On Ozil’s performance: “I said many times that he has added something to his game – a desire to be efficient and desire to score goals. He has become a complete sensational football player.
“I am very, very happy with his performances. He is one of the best in Europe certainly. In his position, he is sensational.”
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe: “We were well in the game. We started brightly but once we conceded we wobbled. At 1-0 there was always a chance we could get into the game but the second goal was of huge quality and ended it.
“We are developing all the time as a side. We still have some way to go but if we make the same improvement again we will be a good side.
“We took the game to Arsenal in the first half but unfortunately the quality of their players told in the end.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
