Chris Sutton assesses Arsenal title credentials in Bournemouth score prediction

Chris Sutton has backed Arsenal to continue their winning start to the season when they face Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

The Gunners have taken a maximum six points from their first two games of the campaign, and impressed in last weekend’s 4-2 victory over Leicester City.

But while Sutton believes that Mikel Arteta’s men will have too much for the Cherries, he has stopped short of suggesting that they could be title contenders.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “Arsenal have made a great start to the season, and Gabriel Jesus has made the difference.

“There was a lot of hype about his arrival, and he is backing it up - he is not in my Fantasy team, though, so I hope he doesn’t score again this time.

“I still don’t think we should get carried away by what the Gunners are doing, and I still don’t think they will challenge for the title this season - but I can understand why their fans are excited.

“If you look at the scoreline, Bournemouth got walloped by Manchester City in their last game, but they actually didn’t do that much wrong.

“They are at home this time and might think this is a game where they can go for it a little bit more. I don’t think it will work, but the Cherries will not roll over even if they go behind.”

Sutton forecasts a 2-0 win for the Gunners at the Vitality stadium.

The last meeting between the two sides came in the FA Cup in January 2020, with Arsenal running out 2-1 winners.