Arsenal got back to winning ways in the Premier League this afternoon with a comfortable, but much-needed 3-0 home win over Bournemouth.
Danny Welbeck scored twice and Alexandre Lacazette was on target with a beauty in a comfortable victory for the Gunners, and here’s a look at the key talking points at the Emirates Stadium…
STAR MAN – DANNY WELBECK
A better afternoon for him after struggling at Anfield, Danny Welbeck was the undisputed star this afternoon as he helped himself to two goals.
The England international also set up the other for Alexandre Lacazette, proving a handful for Bournemouth’s defenders throughout.
Of course, Arsenal fans will hope that Welbeck can start to do this more consistently, and against better opposition, but it’s a start for a player who has so often been in and out of the side due to injury problems.
It’s been a decent start for the former Manchester United man this term, with Welbeck already bettering his Premier League tally for last season (2) with three goals in his opening four games in 2017/18.
FAILED TO IMPRESS – MESUT OZIL
Once again a quiet afternoon from Mesut Ozil, with still no goals and no assists in the league this season.
A surprising stat from a player usually so influential, and even more so when Arsenal generally attacked well against weak opposition this afternoon.
In total, the Germany international had just two shots, a pass accuracy of 79%, and attempted only one dribble. Simply not good enough from a player of his ability.
Ozil shone for his country during the recent international break but just can’t seem to get into the same groove for Arsenal this season, and questions must also be asked of Wenger, who continues to use him in a role that doesn’t get the best out of him.
The 28-year-old said himself recently that he prefers to play more centrally, but Arsenal’s 3-4-3 formation seems him start as an inverted forward from the right, and he’s yet to really adapt to the position.
WHAT SURPRISED US – ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE’S GOAL
While we all know about Alexandre Lacazette’s quality – his finishing, his technique, his awareness and timing to get into scoring positions – he’s not one to score from outside the box.
The France international struck a beauty to make it 2-0 this afternoon, curling the ball around Asmir Begovic from just outside the penalty area – his second since he joined the Gunners.
Interestingly, both of Lacazette’s goals for Arsenal so far have been unusual for him, with today’s strike coming from outside the box, following his headed effort against Leicester City on the opening day.
The 26-year-old scored 27 Ligue 1 goals last season, but only two of those were headers and only two came from outside the area. With one of each already for Arsenal, fans will hope he’s well on his way to becoming a more well-rounded striker at the Emirates Stadium.
WHAT DIDN’T SURPRISE US – SEAD KOLASINAC’S CONTRIBUTION
This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, but clearly Arsene Wenger previously overlooked the benefits of playing your best players in their best positions.
Sead Kolasinac was superb again this afternoon at left wing-back, setting up Welbeck’s opener with a fine run and cross breaking forward down the left-hand side.
Infuriatingly for Arsenal fans, it simply raises the question once again – why on earth was Hector Bellerin used there in the defeat at Liverpool?
Kolasinac was voted Arsenal.com’s Player of the Month this week in recognition of his fine start in England, so hopefully today’s display will serve as another reminder to Wenger that he really should be starting him as often as possible, especially in the big games.
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