Analysis: What went wrong against The Cherries?

Written by Thomas Olorunnifemi

Yesterday's 2-0 loss at Vitality Stadium was a tactical and disciplinary disaster. Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert's penalty sealed our fate.
 

Analytically, our struggles were evident:

1. Lack of creativity: Missing Saka's flair, we relied on Sterling, who was our brightest spark. Merino's presence on the right helped compensate, but it wasn't enough.

2. Inadequate tempo control: Without Zinchenko, Calafiori struggled to dictate pace.

3. Trossard's ineptitude: He was bullied, offering nothing. His recklessness led to Saliba's red card.

4. Defensive vulnerabilities: Saliba's mistake, compounded by Trossard's error, showcased our fragility.

Ethan Nwaneri's cameo highlighted Arteta's selection missteps. Nwaneri injected energy, creativity and urgency, exposing our earlier shortcomings.

Martinelli's wasted chance still infuriates me. Our performance was abysmal, with:

1. Poor cohesion

2. Depth issues

3. Strategic flaws

4. Unacceptable discipline
 

Players must take responsibility for Saliba's red card. Arteta's tactics were questionable, but individual errors proved costly.

Manchester City's dominance raises the Premier League bar. Every match is a test. The Pep Effect means every team, except newcomers, has leveled up.
 

Key takeaways:

1. Strengthen squad depth

2. Improve discipline

3. Arteta must adapt tactics

4. Players must take responsibility

Positives:

1. Sterling's impressive display

2. Nwaneri's promising cameo

3. Merino's adaptability
 

Negatives:

1. Trossard's struggles

2. Saliba's mistake

3. Lack of creativity
 

This loss serves as a wake-up call. We'll regroup, recharge and push forward. Arsenal will bounce back. We must.

Our season's narrative isn't defined by one loss. Unity and resilience will propel us forward, but complacency will undo us.