Bournemouth 0–3 Arsenal
by Layth Yousif
at Dean Court 

MIKEL ARTETA’S imperious Arsenal eased to a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday evening to go top of the Premier League. 

Two goals from influential captain Martin Odegaard effectively sealed the game as early as the 11th minute.

The visitors dominated Scott Parker’s Cherries throughout the match and a third goal duly arrived when the excellent William Saliba netted with an audacious strike to seal the three points and continue Arsenal’s superb start to the campaign.

Speaking after the match, a delighted Arteta said: “I am very happy. It’s really difficult to come here and win 3-0. So credit to the boys, the way we played, especially the way we started the game and continued to play.”

The Gunners boss also took time to hail the impressive showing from talented young centre-back Saliba, initially deadpanning about his stunning left-footed effort, which was scored with the flourish of a striker: “We’ve been training that all week,” he said, before adding: “It very much surprised me. Individual talent, a moment of quality — I don’t know how you’re going to call it, but I don’t think anybody expected it and it was great. I’m so happy for the boy.”

What a difference a year makes. This time 12 months ago, Arsenal were bottom of the Premier League after three defeats from three.

This August, the north Londoners have managed to top the table after three victories from their trio of opening games, while dignified boss Arteta also showed his class during his post-match press conference by dedicating their victory to the late Steve Braddock, the Gunners much-loved groundsman, who died this week.

Arsenal host Fulham in north London this Saturday, while Bournemouth travel to Norwich in the second round of the EFL Cup tomorrow, prior to a daunting trip to Liverpool. 

A deflated Parker admitted after the Cherries’ defeat: “The Premier League is unforgiving.”