Bournemouth 1 - 2 Arsenal

I was hoping for an easy win today.  I expected it to be more comfortable.  But we got three points, with some assistance from a linesman and a stunning own-goal.  The Gunners did their usual routine, starting slow, and kept their perfect run of no halftime leads by failing to shut up shop in the last minute of the first half.  From a very dangerous possession in the Cherries' box, Iwobi lost the ball and a few passes later some unmarked guy in red and black finished beautifully past our keeper, who couldn't have kept it out.  We dominated the second half, but could put only one goal into the net off a rapid, flowing move off a free kick at the half line.  Auba stretched to tap in the perfect cross from Kolasinac, who'd been released behind the defense by a lovely through ball from Iwobi.  A last minute dumb foul by Mustafi (I knew it was coming) just outside our area gave Bournemouth a dangerous free kick that Stanislaus sent over the bar.  Phew.

Tactically, this game was interesting for a number of reasons.  We had three at the back, Mustafi on the right, Holding on the left, and Sokratis in the middle.  Maybe this was because Emery did not trust Kolasinac to do the defensive business; I endorse that opinion.  The comment I made most during the game was "Where is Kolasinac?!?"  He got forward well and looked healthy, finally.  On balance I thought he had a pretty good game.  Bellerin was excellent, though he can be criticized for not hustling back before the Cherries goal.  Torreira was great again, and had a shot hit the post.  Xhaka was good enough.  Our front three had an underwhelming game.  For me, Iwobi was brightest, Auba decent, and Mikhi poor.  In the second half, Emery had Holding push up behind Kolasinac, and it worked pretty well.  I didn't like the substitutions, which were all late in the game.  Torreira came out for Guendouzi (I'd have pulled Xhaka or Mikhi) and Ramsey came in for Iwobi (I'd have put him in for Mikhi).  Nketieh came in for Auba in injury time; that was OK but I'd have put in another defender.

Well, three points is very welcome, and it is probably a good thing that we didn't have it all our own way.  These guys have no reason for complacency.  Spurs are not going to be any easier.  I hope he gives youth a chance in Ukraine on Thursday.