Mikel Arteta performs one of the most ruthless acts in football during Arsenal’s shock defeat at Bournemouth
MIKEL ARTETA did not shy away from making ruthless decisions during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Jakub Kiwior came on as a sub for the Gunners, when they went down to 10 men in the first half at the Vitality stadium, as Raheem Sterling made way.
But, following a disastrous error, the Polish defender was subbed off late on in the second half with North London giants chasing the game.
The moment came after a poor back pass by Kiwior was intercepted by Evanilson.
The Brazilian collided with David Raya, prompting referee Rob Jones to immediately point to the spot.
Up stepped Justin Kluivert who sealed a famous victory for the Cherries.
However, the mistake and second goal forced Arteta into making another change.
Sub Kiwior made way just 44 minutes after coming on and was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 81st minute.
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Online, fans sides with Arteta’s decision – writing Kiwior should never play for the club again.
One wrote: “Kiwior subbed in and then subbed out, kid is never playing for Arteta again.”
A second shared: “Kiwior never seeing the first team action. His time at Arsenal is done.”
While a third added: “Kiwior should never play for us again btw.”
Jesus was part of a double substitution for Arteta’s side, as he joined wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri on the pitch who came came on for Mikel Merino.
Arsenal signed Kiwior in 2023 from Spezia in Italy for a fee of £20million.
However, he has struggled for first team football and found himself on the fringes of the first team.
Reports in the summer saw Kiwior linked with a return to Serie A, however offers were said to have been rebuffed.
Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth
By Alex Crook
TEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.
The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.
But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.
Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.
Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.
Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.
DAVID RAYA – 5
Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.
BEN WHITE – 4
England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 3
Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.
GABRIEL – 5
Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.
DECLAN RICE – 5
Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.
RAHEEM STERLING – 4
Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.
MIKEL MERINO – 5
Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.
SUBSTITUTES
Jakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4
Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5
Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/A
Ethan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A