Arsenal player ratings: Havertz, Martinelli receive 4/10 in defeat against Bournemouth

Arsenal’s aspirations for the Premier League title took a significant hit following a surprising 2-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates, marking their first home defeat since January.

After a UEFA Champions League win over Sporting CP earlier in the week, Arsenal anticipated that this match would bolster their standing at the top of the league. However, goals from Junior Kroupi—the first teenager to net 10 Premier League goals in a season since Robbie Keane in 1999-2000—and the impressive Alex Scott dealt a serious blow to their ambitions.

Kroupi’s strike in the 17th minute was equalized by a Viktor Gyökeres penalty in the 34th minute, yet Arsenal struggled to establish any control in the match. It came as no surprise when Scott put the visitors ahead with 16 minutes left on the clock.

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The atmosphere turned tense as Arsenal failed to penetrate the Cherries’ defense in search of an equalizer, leading home supporters to question whether the team’s recent league setbacks might hinder a challenge that had previously seemed straightforward.

This defeat leaves Arsenal nine points clear of Manchester City, having played two more matches than their title competitors, whom they will face at the Etihad next weekend.

Positives

While it may be challenging to identify positives, Arsenal still has time to rectify this result. Their upcoming match against Manchester City on Sunday, April 19, has become crucial and could influence the title race significantly.

Negatives

Is it possible that Arsenal could falter in their Premier League title pursuit? This question has lingered since the start of the year, and skepticism is growing louder. Manager Mikel Arteta faces the challenge of protecting his players from this external pressure.

Manager rating out of 10

Mikel Arteta, 5 — The Arsenal manager likely viewed this match as a near-certain win, and the club made efforts to encourage fans to arrive early. However, neither Arteta’s starting lineup nor his substitutions—including three changes less than 10 minutes after halftime—managed to give Arsenal the lead at any point, leaving him and the home supporters to lament a missed opportunity.

Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)

GK: David Raya, 6 — Generally reliable, but even the dependable Spain international appeared to show signs of nerves at times. His distribution was questionable, particularly in the second half as Arsenal struggled to create opportunities against a resolute opponent.

DF: Myles Lewis-Skelly, 5 —Looked uncertain as Bournemouth controlled possession. He faced difficulties defensively against energetic opponents and was not his usual threat in attack. Like his teammates, he will be eager to move past this performance quickly.

DF: Gabriel Magalhães, 5 —The center back will be vital for Arsenal in the upcoming weeks. He likely anticipated a challenging match but could not have foreseen the disruption Bournemouth caused at the Emirates.

DF: William Saliba, 6 —Unfortunate with the opening goal, as his deflection allowed Kroupi to score from close range. He managed to fend off the visitors for much of the remainder of the match as Arsenal struggled.

DF: Ben White, 5 —Was caught out for Bournemouth’s first goal and did not advance as much as either the home fans or his manager would have preferred. Another player who appeared off-form in a lackluster display by the North London title contenders.

MF: Declan Rice, 6 — Typically a threat from set-pieces, with one corner in particular causing problems for Bournemouth’s solid defense. Spent most of the first half focused on defensive responsibilities but continuously sought to uplift his teammates.

MF: Martín Zubimendi, 5 —A challenging afternoon for Zubimendi, who was substituted as the match drew to a close—not just on the game itself but on Arsenal’s faltering title challenge.

FW: Gabriel Martinelli, 4 —Had only seven touches in a largely forgettable first half for the Gunners. He was not alone in finding it difficult against a Bournemouth side that executed a high press effectively. It was expected when he was substituted early in the second half.

FW: Kai Havertz, 4 —Not the best performance from the Germany international. He frequently lost possession and missed a free header as Arsenal struggled throughout the first half. Fortunate to start the second half, he was substituted shortly after.

FW: Noni Madueke, 5 —Another member of the Arsenal attack who had a frustrating day at the Emirates. He was not at his dynamic best and found it hard to make an impact in the game. He was replaced by teenager Dowman as Arteta made tactical adjustments.

CF: Viktor Gyökeres, 7 —A bright spot for the hosts. The Sweden international converted the penalty that equalized for Arsenal and was a constant threat throughout. He was particularly effective in the first half, leading the Premier League leaders’ attack. Had a well-executed goal disallowed for offside in the second half.

Substitutes

Eberechi Eze (Havertz, 54′), 5 —A recipient of Arteta’s earliest-ever triple substitution, but despite moments of creativity, he could not ignite a comeback for his team.

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli, 54′), 5 —The versatile Belgian was his typically dependable self, but was unable to shift the momentum as Bournemouth controlled the second half.

Max Dowman (Madueke, 54′), 6 —The teenager brings an air of excitement whenever he enters the pitch, but it was unrealistic to expect him to alter the course of this match.

Gabriel Jesus (Zubimendi, 76′), 4 —Given 14 minutes to find a goal for Arsenal but rarely looked likely to do so.

Cristhian Mosquera (White, 76′), 4 —Mostly ineffective as Bournemouth comfortably secured their victory.