Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal player ratings: Saka, you beautiful man

RB: Hector Bellerin – 7.5/10

Bellerin looked like he was back to full confidence on the ball which was great to see. He was quick off the ball and helped his side in both the attacking and defensive third of the pitch. Everything you’d expect of the Spaniard in good form.

CB: Shkodran Mustafi – 7/10

Played some excellent balls in the first half and he looked full of confidence again, despite his slip up against Chelsea last week. He was stretchered off in the second half which was disappointing to see because he played excellently in the first half and it was nice to see the partnership of Mustafi and Sokratis again.

Mustafi is looking like he could be the first choice for Mikel Arteta looking forward if he stays fit and injury-free. I know, right? Who would have thought I would be saying that?

CB: Sokratis Papatathopoulos – 6/10

Sokratis was OK on his return to first-team action but I must emphasise, his performance was only okay and he didn’t exactly fill the fans with confidence at the back. He took a few liberties in his passing and he was second fiddle as a centre back for most of the match but luckily Bournemouth couldn’t capitalise.

Still, it was nice to see Sokratis get the full 90 even after getting a knock late on to boost his fitness.

LB: Bukayo Saka – 9/10

I’ve had to list Saka as a full-back because that was his starting position but, let’s be honest, Saka was basically a winger. And it was refreshing to see him in the final third plenty of times, where he is comfortable.

He got the opening goal and the assist for Nketiah’s goal as he constantly probed the frail Bournemouth defence. It shows that Saka has plenty to offer as an attacking player and he shouldn’t be limited to simply filling the void at full-back. One thing is for sure; the future is bright for Arsenal’s youngster.