Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth as FIVE stars score 2/10 in horror showing

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Arsenal's title aspirations suffered their heaviest setback of the campaign in their most crucial match to date as they were stunned by Bournemouth to blow the title race wide open.

Mikel Arteta will be left pondering his next move following this crushing blow after the Cherries ran out 2-1 winners in north London . With tension palpable around the stadium, matters only deteriorated when Bournemouth took the lead, Kroupi converting at the far post into an unguarded goal after a deflection. Viktor Gyokeres drew level from the penalty spot.

The second period, though, proved disastrous for the Gunners, with Alex Scott exploiting uncertainty at the back before rifling beyond David Raya . Despite a late surge, the result was sealed – the pressing question now is whether Arsenal's challenge will be finished too.

Here is how the Arsenal players rated in Saturday afternoon's shock loss...

David Raya – 2

Produced some genuinely perplexing moments, including a pass that ought to have been capitalised upon with a Bournemouth goal. Left all the Arsenal supporters in the stadium exasperated.

Ben White – 2

Got caught out with the ball played in behind, which resulted in Bournemouth's opening goal. Withdrawn following multiple errors

William Saliba – 4

His deflection of the cross allowed Kroupi to profit at the far post and score. Another player unable to execute passes from the defensive line.

Gabriel – 4

Produced some vital early blocks and interceptions as his team navigated through the tension. Earned the penalty after his effort to launch the ball into the box struck Christie's raised arm.

Subsequently sent the ball long, surrendering possession in his own territory which led to Bournemouth's second goal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5

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Had some promising moments in the first half, wriggling away from his marker and picking out teammates. Faded after the break and struggled to get on the ball.

Martin Zubimendi – 2

Had the crowd on edge with a string of wayward passes, and even drew Gyokeres' ire when he failed to release the ball at a crucial moment. His poorest performance in an Arsenal shirt.

Declan Rice – 4

Posed a threat from distance, with several deflected efforts winning corners for the hosts. Had a moment in the second half where he threw caution to the wind, surging through midfield and letting fly, but his endeavours ultimately came to nothing.

Noni Madueke – 2

Contributed precious little in the opening half, unable to get past his man.

Kai Havertz – 3

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Spurned a golden chance to draw level, glancing a corner just beyond the post. Otherwise struggled to make his presence felt and gave the ball away on numerous occasions.

Viktor Gyokeres – 6

Coolly dispatched the penalty to notch his 18th goal of the season. Arguably their standout performer.

Gabriel Martinelli – 2

Yet another winger who failed to get the better of his marker on the left flank and was hauled off with barely a murmur.

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Max Dowman – 5

Arsenal struggled to get the ball to the winger, though he looked lively. Yet the fact that such a young player was needed said everything about Arsenal's predicament.

Eberechi Eze – 4

Introduced from the bench but unfortunately unable to make any greater impact than Havertz had managed before him.

Leandro Trossard – 3

Made a superb, potentially crucial last-ditch block in defence. However, he struggled to make any real impact going forward.

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