Bukayo Saka, who was utterly dominant in the first half, opened the scoring with a superb penalty kick after Kai Havertz had controversially won one. Mark Travers had touched the German’s trailing leg as the Cherries goalkeeper sprinted out to try to smother him.

Even though the score was only 1-0 at the interval, Andoni Iraola’s team began to gain momentum in the second half as tensions built around the Emirates. 

But after 70 minutes, a second goal relieved the pressure when Leandro Trossard struck the ball into the net after superb work from the exceptional Declan Rice.

In the last ten minutes, Rice added the cherry on top, sending the Gunners four points clear of Manchester City ahead of their match against Wolves later in the day. Gabriel Magalhaes had earlier been cruelly denied a spectacular goal that flew into the top corner, with Havertz called for offside.

Midfield

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

A typically bright and creative performance from the Norwegian, although he was a little loose with his finishing as Arsenal searched for more goals.

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Was the wrong man in the right place at times in the first half as he wasted a couple of decent goal-scoring opportunities. His presence in the team is vital, though, allowing Rice more freedom to go and create.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Lashed one of the bigger chances – of which there were absolutely dozens – of the first period wastefully wide before laying one on a plate for Trossard for the second goal with a delightful flick. Burst into the box in stoppage time and smashed home to make it 3-0.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Calmness personified as he sent Travers the wrong way to slide home the opener from the spot. Worrying scenes early on after he was wiped out by an awful knee-high challenge from Ryan Christie but recovered from that and produced another strong performance.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Really clever play to win the penalty after Travers foolishly flew off his line to confront the German forward in the box. Found pockets of space throughout and led the line well as his excellent season continued.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Had been largely ineffective until he swept home the second goal of the game at a time when the Emirates was starting to get nervous.

Subs & Manager

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

On for Trossard after 81 minutes and should’ve probably scored when he immediately raced through but delayed for too long and couldn’t get his shot away.

Gabriel Jesus (N/A):

Introduced for Saka with just a few minutes remaining and claimed the assist for Rice’s goal.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

They keep on winning! Arteta resisted the urge to make any changes after the narrow victory over Tottenham, with his side getting the job done once again here. They’re still in it, despite City holding the aces, and they’re certainly not going away with just two games to go now.