Arsenal player ratings - 'Careless' and 'passenger' 4/10s in gutting Bournemouth defeat

Arsenal had the chance to go top of the league with a win over AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday night, but failed to seize the opportunity in nothing short of a nightmare defeat on the south coast.

The Cherries were resolute but didn’t dominant against the Gunners, a red card to William Saliba and second half penalty proving decisive as the hosts claimed a deserved 2-0 win.

Here’s how the Arsenal players rated against Bournemouth.

GK - David Raya, 7

A mixed bag from the Gunners’ shot-stopper. Some fantastic saves and moments that underline his talent, but also a little too casual with the ball at his feet at times. No Premier League game is every easy enough for that.

LB - Riccardo Calafiori, 7

Some nice work at full back. Looked comfortable on the ball but any positives will obviously be overshadowed by that result.

CB - Gabriel, 7

His usual self and a physical presence from set plays. Could do little about the goals himself.

CB - William Saliba, 4

That tug on Evanilson was clumsy and left Rob Jones with little choice once he had seen the VAR replay. Not a lot that Saliba could have done after that backpass, but would perhaps have been better off letting the striker run rather than taking the red card.

RB - Ben White, 5

A little off the pace in his first taste of Premier League action since the draw against Manchester City.

CM - Declan Rice, 7

A big shift from the midfielder. With Arsenal 1-0 down, the England international tried to have the presence of two players but not able to haul his side to any points.

CM - Thomas Partey, 6

Helped ensure that Bournemouth didn’t dominate the game despite the extra man but not an enthralling showing in the centre of the park.

CM - Mikel Merino, 4

Handed his first Arsenal start but failed to turn heads and was often a passenger at times.

LW - Leandro Trossard, 5

Was his usual attacking outlet and worked with diligence but, in truth, was perhaps more at fault for the red card than Saliba due to his back pass.

ST - Kai Havertz, 5

Was always going to be a mission for him after the red card. The German striker is clearly a good finisher but thrives in Arsenal dominance rather than backs against the wall.

RW - Raheem Sterling, 8

Looked really dangerous on the right flank before an early substitution brought about by the red card. A shame he wasn’t able to seize the moment tonight.

SUB - Jakub Kiwior, 4

Brought on to provide some extra defensive solidity following the red but a careless backpass led to the penalty and eventual second Bournemouth goal.

SUB - Gabriel Martinelli, 8

Provided an immediate impact from the bench. Some jinking runs and moments of vision but not enough to bring the Gunners back into the game.

SUB - Ethan Nwaneri, 6 - Quiet cameo from the bench with some Arsenal fans online wishing the teenager had started the game.

SUB - Gabriel Jesus, 7 - Bustled about in his cameo and can’t fault his desire, but all too late.