Spotted: Mikel Arteta in ‘dismay’ after what Arsenal star did in win vs Bournemouth
Mikel Arteta was left frustrated by one of his big names during a difficult Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa 4-1 last time out to reassert themselves as title favourites after Man City could only draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Now, travelling to the south coast, the Gunners had the chance to move six points clear of second place, but it was not all plain sailing for the away side, conceding the opener after 10 minutes.
Arsenal fans were relieved to see Gabriel Magalhaes back against Brighton, but it was the defensive star who misplaced his pass into Evanilson‘s path. The striker then smashed past a helpless David Raya.
While Gabriel managed to atone for his errors in a comeback win on the road, the Cherries were causing issues, and emotions were bubbling up on the sidelines, especially for Arteta.
Gabriel Martinelli infuriates Mikel Arteta vs Bournemouth
Man City-bound Antoine Semenyo caused issues all game, as expected, and he was the route of Arteta’s first-half anger as well, dispossessing Gabriel Martinelli in another annoying moment.
Taking to X (3 January), Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz wrote: “Mikel Arteta turned his head back in dismay as Martinelli just gifted the ball to Semenyo then.
“Not the first time this season he’s complained about mistakes in the build-up…” as the Gunners endured a frustrating first 45 minutes at the Vitality Stadium.
Before the half-time break, Martinelli had created zero chances, touched the ball just 22 times, completed just half of his dribbles, was caught offside once, and won 75 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
Mikel Arteta has a major issue to fix on the left flank
Martinelli was clearly not at his best at the Vitality, deservedly being replaced by Leandro Trossard for the remaining 25 minutes, but it was Bukayo Saka who inspired the team to victory.
Having Saka and Noni Madueke on the right flank is a cheat code for the Gunners, but the manager will be left scratching his head over what he does on the opposite side of the pitch.
Arsenal next face Liverpool on Thursday, 8 January, and Arteta needs to decide whether Martinelli continues in the team or if Trossard is given a start.
However, the Belgian was not much better during his cameo against the Cherries, touching the ball just 17 times, having a shot blocked, creating zero chances, and losing 62 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
Arne Slot has some very dangerous wingers, even if the team is not at its very best this season, and the North London side could be badly damaged should they be weakened by their wingers.