Danny Welbeck proved he is more than capable of filling Alexis Sanchez 's boots as he fired Arsenal to a thumping victory.
The Gunners had lost back-to-back Premier League games before the international break but Bournemouth proved ideal opponents.
And Sanchez was left on the break having failed to force through a deadline-day move to Manchester City.
Welbeck opened the scoring in the first half before Alexandre Lacazette doubled the home side's advantage.
The England striker was on the scoresheet again after the break as Arsene Wenger breathed a sigh of relief.
Here, we rate the players from both sides at the Emirates...
Arsenal
Cech 6
Rarely troubled but looked in command, one scare when Defoe hit the post.
Koscielny 6
Looked solid but his leg will hurt after King came down on him hard.
Mustafi 7
He wanted to leave in August, but showed up here. Strong and determined.
Monreal 6
Looked good on left side of a three, mobile and efficient. Good display.
Bellerin 7
Jet heeled on the right, much better on his natural side and did well.
Ramsey 7
Went off to a standing ovation, energetic display and an assist.
Xhaka 7
Some good long range shots, better performance and showed discipline.
Kolasinac 8
He set the tone with a rock solid and fearsome display. Excellent.
Ozil 7
Much improved performance. Always good when Arsenal have the ball.
Welbeck 9
MotM. Two goals, an assist, nearly a hat trick. Superb response.
Lacazette 8
Wonderful goal, first player since Chamakh (yes, really) to score in first two home games.
Substitutes
Coquelin, for Ramsey, 67 mins, 5
Sanchez, for Welbeck, 75 mins, 7
Giroud, for Lacazette, 75 mins, 7
Bournemouth
Begovic 6
Good saves from Ozil and Lacazette, couldn’t have done more on goals.
Cook 5
Very painful afternoon for the visiting defence. Will be a hard season.
Ake 6
Left Chelsea to play regularly, may be regretting his decision.
Mings 4
Had a stand-up row with Begovic in first half, got hooked at break. Poor.
Smith 5
Lucky not to concede a penalty for clear handball. Tough afternoon.
Gosling 5
Could not get a grip in midfield and struggled badly.
Arter 5
Even his tenacity and tackling could not stem the tide. Poor.
Daniels 6
Looks better in attack but limited opportunities to get forward.
Fraser 4
Went off still limping after heavy challenge by Bellerin. Unhappy afternoon.
King 5
Powerful and physical presence but got very little change from Arsenal’s defenders.
Defoe 6
Went closest for Bournemouth with a header against the post. Didn’t look fully fit.
Substitutes
Ibe, for Fraser, 38 mins, 5
Francis, for Mings, 46 mins, 5
Mousset, for Defoe, 71 mins, 5