Our Arsenal week 25 match review discusses the Gunners’ incredible 3-2 comeback win against Bournemouth at the Emirates. This win restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the table of the Premier League table. Let’s get into the review.

Arsenal Week 25 Match Review: The Positives

Arsenal responded to Bournemouth’s opening goal quite well. The Gunners created a number of chances in the first half and were unlucky to still be 1-0 down at halftime. After Bournemouth’s second goal, Arsenal showed great determination to keep fighting and pushing to get back in the game. The Gunners got nine shots on target in this match and fully deserved to win the game 3-2.

Arsenal Showed A Champion’s Grit

Arsenal’s mental toughness has been nothing short of fantastic this season and that was on full display in this match. The Gunners responded to Bournemouth’s second goal quickly with their first goal of the match and that started the comeback. Arsenal clearly always maintained the belief that they could win this match, even after going 2-0 down in the second half.

Arsenal Week 25 Match Review: Ramsdale Made a Key Save in the First Half

Ramsdale played well and couldn’t do anything about Bournemouth’s two goals. He made a vital save in the first half to deny Bournemouth a 2-0 lead in the first half. That save kept Arsenal in the game and was crucial in giving the Gunners the chance to mount a comeback. Ramsdale deserves plenty of praise for his performance against Bournemouth.

Ben White Changed The Game

Ben White came on as a substitute for Takehiro Tomiyasu at halftime and made a massive impact. White brought more solidity to Arsenal’s defense and scored his first goal for the club to draw Arsenal level at 2-2. White also made good overlapping runs to give Saka more support in the final third. Ben White played a massive role in Arsenal’s comeback win.

Arsenal Week 25 Match Review: Odegaard Played Well

Martin Odegaard was quite good in Arsenal’s midfield. Odegaard created a number of chances as usual and always remained on the front foot, looking to cause problems for Bournemouth’s defense. One thing I particularly liked about Odegaard’s performance against Bournemouth is that he was quite willing to take shots when he had the opportunity. Odegaard didn’t score against Bournemouth, but his aggressiveness in front of goal was encouraging nonetheless.

Partey Helped Arsenal Win The Midfield Battle

Thomas Partey also played well against Bournemouth overall, despite one major error. Partey made some great passes and won the ball back on multiple occasions, always looking to drive Arsenal forward. He was one of the main reasons why Arsenal enjoyed 80% possession in this game. Partey remains the driving force in Arsenal’s midfield and scored the Gunners’ first goal as they mounted the comeback.

Emile Smith-Rowe Got An Assist

Smith-Rowe replaced Trossard after only 22 minutes. Emile Smith-Rowe clearly lacked some match fitness, but he worked hard and provided the assist for Thomas Partey’s goal. Smith-Rowe made a significant impact before being replaced by Reiss Nelson in the second half. I expect that Smith-Rowe will have a part to play for Arsenal in the later stages of this season.

Reiss Nelson Takes Man of the Match Comfortably

There were some great performances from Arsenal players in this match, but Reiss Nelson clearly deserves Man of the Match for his performance against Bournemouth in my opinion. Nelson came on for Smith-Rowe in the 70th minute and got the assist for Ben White’s goal very quickly after his introduction. Nelson looked sharp and lively throughout his time on the pitch and capped off his performance with an incredible match-winning goal in the 97th minute. Reiss Nelson scored the most important goal of the season so far for Arsenal and thoroughly deserves a new contract in the summer.

Arsenal Week 25 Match Review: The Negatives

Arsenal conceded incredibly quickly in this match. Bournemouth completely caught the Gunners off-guard right from kickoff and ensured it would be an uphill battle for Arsenal in this match. Gabriel Magalhaes could have done better to prevent Bournemouth from scoring so quickly, but the entire team has to be more prepared moving forward.

Bournemouth only had one corner in this match, but they scored from it. Senesi’s header was quite a good one, but Partey should have done better to prevent Senesi from increasing Bournemouth’s lead. The Gunners will have to cut out those mistakes when defending set-pieces in order to keep winning matches and continue their title push.

Additionally, Bournemouth looked dangerous on the counterattack on multiple instances. Bournemouth, like many teams that play Arsenal, sat back and looked to withstand pressure before hitting the Gunners on the counterattack. Arsenal can limit those counterattack opportunities by executing a bit better in the final third and getting back more quickly in transition.

Manager Rating: 8/10

Arteta decided to rotate a bit in this match, starting Tomiyasu at right-back and Fabio Vieira in midfield. Vieira had a decent game, but Tomiyasu was poor and deserved to be substituted at halftime. However, Arteta does get credit for his substitutions in this game. Replacing Tomiyasu with Ben White at halftime was the correct decision and bringing on Reiss Nelson was a vital decision that had a massive impact on Arsenal winning this game. Arteta also clearly gave the team a good halftime team talk as they mounted an incredible second-half comeback to earn all three points.

Arsenal Play Sporting Next Before Facing Fulham Away

Arsenal return to action in the Europa League as they travel to Portugal to play Sporting Club de Portugal in the first leg of their round of 16 tie. The Gunners will likely field a rotated team in that match before returning to England to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. Both of those games will be tricky. I would bet on Arsenal beating Fulham at Craven Cottage, given the Gunners’ fantastic away from this season.

Check back next week for more Arsenal content.