The only blemish for me was Notts County's going down 4-5 to Colchester. I will have to see the highlights of that one.
The Gunners dominated the Cherries after the opening minutes, in which the home side was lively. Arsenal cut through the Bournemouth defense time and again. We got two PKs for just the eighth time since the Premier League started, both obvious. Bournemouth never looked like scoring. Saka, the default penalty taker, handed the ball to Odegaard for the first and then to Kai Havertz for the second. Arteta had no input, but was delighted with the team-building effect of this unselfish gesture. It meant a lot to Kai, who was mobbed by his mates after he put the ball in the net.
Man City lost, and nine man Liverpool was defeated by the Spuds, meaning Arsenal trails City by a point, level on points with Tottenham with 'Pool one point behind. City comes to the Emirates next weekend. Early days. But time may be running out already for Chelsea, who desperately need to win some games. Man U is also massively underperforming.
Injuries can always derail a season, but so far Arsenal is coping with the loss of important players like Martinelli and Jesus for several games. Arteta has the squad he wants now. It's deep, versatile, and playing well together. Smith-Rowe is easing back, Tomiyasu looks like his old self (i.e. very good), and Jesus is nearing 100%. Saka took a knock and should sit out Lens on Tuesday.
I wonder about the goalkeeper situation. I thought Ramsdale would start today. Raya's distribution hasn't been much better than Ramsdale's. Well, it's all working out so far.
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