Arsenal 2 Bournemouth 0 analysis: Mesut Ozil inspirational as Petr Cech breaks Premier League clean sheet record

The Gunners moved to the top of the league with the victory

Monday 28 December 2015 21:37 GMT

Mesut Ozil scores the Gunners second of the game (Getty Images)

STAR PLAYER

Mesut Ozil: Arsenal's most influential player this season produced another masterclass, providing the corner that Gabriel nodded home for the opener before showing a exquisite touch when combining with Olivier Giroud to finish a dazzling second. The German playmaker continues to track back in defence too, showing a greater appetite to help his team-mates when they do not have the ball.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

For comedy value, Per Mertesacker's miss from point-blank range was worth a slice of the admission price alone. An attempt by Gabriel struck the left post and the ball rebounded on to the head of an unwitting Mertesacker who managed to nod wide before falling flat on his back, clasping his hands to his head in embarrassment.

VIEW FROM THE BENCH

Arsene Wenger made his substitutes with the game won at 2-0, bringing on Joel Campbell to offer fresh legs in attack and replacing Kieran Gibbs with Nacho Monreal. Bournemouth pair Eunan O'Kane and Glenn Murray made little impact off the bench.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

A frustrating performance from Theo Walcott, whose wastefulness in front of goal made heavy weather of a fixture Arsenal could have had sown up by half-time. The 26-year-old finds the right positions and his pace remains as frightening as ever, but his finishing still needs work and he is guilty of fading in and out of games.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

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1/11Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Petr Cech: 6 out of 10

Rarely tested on his way to his Premier League record-breaking clean sheet, overtaking David James in the process. As ever he exuded authority and never looked like he would be concerned.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Bellerin: 7 out of 10

As full of attacking endeavour as ever, he and Oxlade-Chamberlain often exchanged nice passes to release the Spaniard down the right. With Bournemouth tiring he excelled in the space they offered him, providing plenty of tempting crosses.

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Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mertesacker: 6 out of 10

It was no surprise that he struggled with the pacey running of Josh King in behind the Arsenal line. However when the ball was sent into the area Mertesacker was never found wanting, calmly repelling Bournemouth’s attacks.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gabriel: 8 out of 10

A powerful header in the first half, his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, was no less than the Brazilian deserved. Equally impressive were two sliding tackles early in the second half as King bore down on goal as he provided excellent covering for Mertesacker.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gibbs: 6 out of 10

Looked a more than adequate alternative to Nacho Monreal in a rare start, though the Spaniard would not expect to lose his place after a good, but not great, display by Gibbs.

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Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Chambers: 5 out of 10

A tough experience of the challenges of playing in midfield in his first start in the position for nearly a year. The opening exchanges saw Bournemouth swarm the youngster, who seemed hesitant when he gifted possession to Arter. That was the story of the match for Chambers, who all too often could not be relied on with the ball at his feet. It may be too early to write the 20-year-old off as an anchorman but this was not an ideal start.

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Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Ramsey: 6 out of 10

After offering solid protection from Manchester City’s attackers it was more of the same from Ramsey at the Emirates, making two excellent tackles to slow Bournemouth’s advance. That he combined this with sallies into the area was another encouraging sign for Wenger.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6 out of 10

A worrying display from Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did little to supplant Joel Campbell in Wenger’s affections with what was a display typical of his season. He was full of running, but all too often it was running down a blind alley. When he combined with Bellerin he seemed far more effective but at his worst he seemed too eager to be the star.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mesut Ozil: 8 out of 10

With Arsenal seemingly stunned by Bournemouth’s bright start Ozil took hold of the contest and bent it to his will. Indeed questions must soon be asked over whether this team is too reliant on their star man. No other player looked like crafting a chance for much of the match, with Arsenal’s tactics seemingly just 'give it to the No.11’. It paid off in style, but is it sustainable?

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Walcott: 7 out of 10

Another convincing imitation of Alexis Sanchez from the striker, whose understanding with Ozil saw him make several enticing runs. On another day he may have scored but he was full of willingness to get into position to influence the game.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Giroud: 6 out of 10

A quiet display from Giroud, who seemed more than any other to be showing signs of fatigue from Arsenal’s gruelling recent schedule. However the forward was able to make one critical touch, laying in Ozil for Arsenal’s crucial second.

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RECORD BREAKER

Petr Cech totalled his 170th Premier League clean sheet in the win, one more than David James to set a new Premier League record.

WHO'S UP NEXT

Arsenal v Newcastle (Barclays Premier League, Saturday January 2)

Leicester v Bournemouth (Barclays Premier League, Saturday January)

PA

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