Arsenal put Bournemouth to the Sword in Big Win – Özil, Mkhitaryan Shine

Arsenal took on Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday, hoping to stay in 4th place. The Gunners disposed of the Cherries with ease, putting 5 past them, with Mesut Özil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan putting in masterclasses.

Heading into this midweek fixture, Arsenal were sitting in 4th place in the Premier League – a position that many did not expect to see them in, this far into the season. The struggles of Chelsea and Manchester United at different points of the season have aided Arsenal, who now have a genuine shot at securing Champions League football for next season. They faced Eddie Howe’s inconsistent but always-dangerous Bournemouth side on Wednesday, and disposed of them with ease.

Mesut Özil earned another start in this match, which was a welcomed sight for Arsenal who have been lacking creativity in recent weeks. Özil did not disappoint, scoring just 4 minutes into the match with his trademark into-the-ground finish, which continues to completely baffle goalkeepers, who struggle to track the trajectory of the ball due to the unique point of impact. Özil added an assist to his tally later in the half, as he fooled Boruc for a second time to pick out Mkhitaryan for a simple finish. The Armenian also had himself a fine match, which was much-needed to up his confidence. His powerful and intelligent running was a joy to watch throughout the match.

Lys Mousset was gifted a goal just a few minutes later, after Matteo Guendouzi failed to take control of a pass out from Leno, which led to a simple Bournemouth goal. Although Guendouzi tried to earn the foul, it was anything but.

The 2nd half started just like the 1st one did: Heavily in Arsenal’s favour. Some lovely work down the right from Mkhitaryan again allowed Laurent Koscielny to grab Arsenal’s 3rd, and his 3rd of the season. Aubameyang would score 10 minutes later courtesy of Mkhitaryan again, as the Armenian slipped him through to round the goalkeeper and slot home. Alexandre Lacazette sealed a comfortable and dominant victory in the 78th minute, dipping a free-kick beautifully over the wall and toward goal. Artur Boruc had a shocker in the Bournemouth goal in this match, and the scoreline could very well have been tighter had he been better on the day. Özil’s goal and Lacazette’s as well, were certainly save-able for the Pole.

Arsenal stay in 4th and will face a monumental test on Saturday against Spurs in the North London Derby, which will take place at Wembley. It’s been over 4 years since the Gunners last won an away match against a fellow top 6 side, and if there was ever a time to break that awful slide, it is now. Spurs sit just 4 points ahead of Arsenal after back-to-back Premier League losses. Bournemouth

The Cherries, now 12th in the Premier League, will face a massive test of their own on Saturday against Manchester City. Eddie Howe will have to find some more defensive discipline if they are to avoid getting blown out.