Arsenal ratings: First defeat of the season due to Saliba, Trossard

Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as they lost 2-0 to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The Gunners were in control of the game until the 30th minute when Leandro Trossard's careless pass left William Saliba in trouble before he was shown a red card for a foul which the VAR denied Evanilson a clear chance to score. Some positive goalkeeping moments from David Raya ensured Arsenal kept Bournemouth goalless until half-time.

Antoine Semenyo was one of Bournemouth's brightest players as the Cherries began to create chances, although he should have done better shortly after the restart with a shot at the back post that went wide.

Arsenal could have taken the lead with their best chance of the game when Mikel Merino intercepted Kepa Arrizabalaga's pass before picking out substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who fired the ball straight at the goalkeeper. That miss proved costly as they fell behind two minutes later with Ryan Christie finishing off a well-taken Bournemouth corner.

An under-hit pass from Jakub Kiwior led to Raya giving away a penalty for the home side to double their lead through Justin Kluivert and the Gunners appeared to have resigned themselves to defeat as Mikel Merino was withdrawn.

Positive

Merino put in a brilliant performance despite the result and seems to fit well into Arsenal's system. Declan Rice also shone with his defensive work in midfield.

Negatives

The absences of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka made their presence felt in an Arsenal attack that didn't produce many promising moments. An impending suspension for William Saliba means he will miss the next Premier League game against Liverpool.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Mikel Arteta, 6 – There was little Arteta could do after individual errors were punished, but he could have taken a 1-0 lead on another day if substitute Gabriel Martinelli had taken his chance.

Player ratings

GK David Raya, 5 — Raya looked uncertain when calling for crosses and he played a misplaced ball straight to Alex Scott in the first half. Although he made a few saves to keep the game tied at 0-0, the overall inconsistent night was made even worse when he missed a penalty.

DF Gabriel Magalhaes, 6 — Gabriel was able to overcome the danger several times and register a few blockages. He is not as effective as usual when attacking set pieces.

DF William Saliba, 4 – Saliba appeared to be in control before being sent off following a VAR review after bringing down Evanilson to prevent a goal-scoring chance. There was still a long way to go and the France international could tell he was regretting not using his pace instead of fouling.

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 6 — Left Antoine Semenyo at the back post shortly after the start of the second half but was sent off by a poor finish from the Bournemouth striker. His efforts at times helped him create a few half-chances when he advanced into midfield with the ball.

DF Ben White, 5 — Sometimes beaten too easily and warned for wasting time when the score was 0-0.

MF Mikel Merino, 7 – The Spain international was composed in possession, particularly in the forward areas, and enjoyed some positive interactions with Raheem Sterling before being sent off following the red card. He took intelligent positions to cut off passing lanes in the middle of the pitch and created Arsenal's best chance when he played Gabriel Martinelli after a well-timed interception of Kepa Arrizabalaga's pass.

MF Declan Rice, 7 – Rice provided a strong anchor as Arsenal looked to defend with 10 men, regularly anticipating play to eliminate danger. Worked hard to make up for the numerical advantage and tried to move the ball into advanced areas.

MF Thomas Partey, 6 — Carried the ball impressively through the lines from the defensive midfield and also chose the right moments to drop into the center back and form a back three. There was nothing he could do about any of these goals.

FW Kai Havertz, 6 – Havertz worked hard and tried to get things going with minimal impact, with positive runs straight at the defense leading to a few half chances.

FW Leandro Trossard, 5 – Trossard's poor pass to William Saliba resulted in a red card, which made the game much more difficult for the Gunners. Overall ineffective and replaced by Gabriel Martinelli in the 64th minute.

FW Raheem Sterling, 5 – He stayed on the sidelines to extend the pitch and had a moment where he tried to penetrate inside and beat his opponent, but did not have enough opportunities to influence the game. Substituted for tactical reasons after Saliba's red card.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Jakub Kiwior (Sterling, 37″), 4 — A game to forget for Kiwior, who struggled with Antoine Semenyo's pace early on and after undercutting his pass to Raya before Bournemouth's penalty, he was hauled off the pitch by Arteta. He wasn't the solution Arteta was hoping for.

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard, 64″), 5 — It didn't take long for Martinelli to convert Arsenal's best chance of the game five minutes after coming on, but he should have done better as he went straight to Arrizabalaga.

Gabriel Jesus (Kiwior, 81″), N/R – Positive in possession and tried to make an impact by dribbling alone through the Bournemouth defense before releasing the ball.

Ethan Nwaneri (Merino, 81″) N/R – Introduced for Merino but Arsenal couldn't control the game and mounted a late comeback.