Arsenal thrash Bournemouth: Five things we learned as Saliba shines in more ways than one

Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's transfer plans

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Arsenal hammered Bournemouth 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday to fly past Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table. A double from Martin Odegaard and a screamer from William Saliba, who’s new song certainly got people talking, sealed the victory and Express Sport takes you through five things we learned during an intriguing clash…

Mikel Arteta has won fans over

In poetic contrast, Arsenal have won their first three matches of the Premier League season after losing their first three last campaign. Arteta was on the brink of the sack 12 months ago, but the mood among Gunners fans has changed dramatically. 

As soon as Martin Odegaard fired in the first goal, the travelling fans loudly chanted the manager’s name and they didn’t stop singing all afternoon. It seems that ‘Super Mik Arteta’ has plenty of credit in the bank and, based on recent performances, his side will take some stopping. 

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Saliba chant causes stir

Of the 90 minutes played at the Vitality Stadium, at least 20 of them were spent with Arsenal fans belting out William Saliba’s new song. To the famously catchy tune of ‘tequila’, the crucial word has been replaced by ‘Saliba’ and supporters couldn’t get enough. 

The Frenchman put in another accomplished performance at centre-back, showing composure on the ball and athleticism to bail his side out of tricky situations. His stunning left-footed strike will live long in the memory and put the cherry on top of a celebratory day for the Gunners. 

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Gulf in class concerning for Bournemouth

Arsenal were out of sight within 11 minutes on the south coast. They played through Bournemouth with ease and, on an individual level, their players had the confidence and quality to cause consistent problems. 

The gulf in class between the newly-promoted outfit and the side who finished fifth last term will be concerning for Cherries boss Scott Parker, who has an almighty task on his hands as he attempts to keep them in the top-flight. 

Odegaard finds scoring touch

Norwegian superstar Martin Odegaard was named Arsenal captain this season and he led by example against Bournemouth. His opener was well-taken and the second gave goalkeeper Mark Travers no chance, whipping into the far corner after taking it off Gabriel Jesus’ toes. 

Odegaard then looked to have added an assist onto his evening’s work when Jesus found the net in the second half, but it was later chalked off by VAR for offside. Even so, it was a sensational outing for the 23-year-old whose tally for the season is now up and running. 

Ramsdale gets complacency warning

Aaron Ramsdale has been a huge hit since ousting Bernd Leno to become Arsenal’s No 1. But there were a couple of worrying signs against Leicester last week and he nearly gave Bournemouth a route back into the game on Saturday. 

The England stopper wasn’t given much to do but handed the Cherries a golden opportunity to half the deficit when his drop-kick cannoned off Jaidon Anthony at close range. Bournemouth couldn’t convert the chance but it was another indicator that he must stay alert despite Arsenal’s rampant form. 

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