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Arsenal 2 Bournemouth 0 player ratings: was Mesut Ozil the star man as the Gunners go back to the top of the Premier League table?

The German playmaker provided a goal and an assist

Monday 28 December 2015 20:53 GMT

Mesut Ozil celebrates his goal in front of the Arsenal faithful (Getty Images)

Arsenal provisionally moved to the top of the Premier League on Monday after a 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

Gabriel opened the scoring before Mesut Ozil got the second as Arsenal moved one point above leader Leicester, which plays Manchester City on Tuesday.

By not conceding a goal, Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech set a new Premier League record of 170 clean sheets.

Arsenal went ahead after 27 minutes. Ozil whipped in a corner which was met by defender Gabriel who headed the ball across goalkeeper Artur Boruc in his first goal for Arsenal.

WHO WAS THE STAR MAN? ARSENAL RATINGS BELOW...

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

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1/11Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Petr Cech: 6 out of 10

Rarely tested on his way to his Premier League record-breaking clean sheet, overtaking David James in the process. As ever he exuded authority and never looked like he would be concerned.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Bellerin: 7 out of 10

As full of attacking endeavour as ever, he and Oxlade-Chamberlain often exchanged nice passes to release the Spaniard down the right. With Bournemouth tiring he excelled in the space they offered him, providing plenty of tempting crosses.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mertesacker: 6 out of 10

It was no surprise that he struggled with the pacey running of Josh King in behind the Arsenal line. However when the ball was sent into the area Mertesacker was never found wanting, calmly repelling Bournemouth’s attacks.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gabriel: 8 out of 10

A powerful header in the first half, his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, was no less than the Brazilian deserved. Equally impressive were two sliding tackles early in the second half as King bore down on goal as he provided excellent covering for Mertesacker.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gibbs: 6 out of 10

Looked a more than adequate alternative to Nacho Monreal in a rare start, though the Spaniard would not expect to lose his place after a good, but not great, display by Gibbs.

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Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Chambers: 5 out of 10

A tough experience of the challenges of playing in midfield in his first start in the position for nearly a year. The opening exchanges saw Bournemouth swarm the youngster, who seemed hesitant when he gifted possession to Arter. That was the story of the match for Chambers, who all too often could not be relied on with the ball at his feet. It may be too early to write the 20-year-old off as an anchorman but this was not an ideal start.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Ramsey: 6 out of 10

After offering solid protection from Manchester City’s attackers it was more of the same from Ramsey at the Emirates, making two excellent tackles to slow Bournemouth’s advance. That he combined this with sallies into the area was another encouraging sign for Wenger.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6 out of 10

A worrying display from Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did little to supplant Joel Campbell in Wenger’s affections with what was a display typical of his season. He was full of running, but all too often it was running down a blind alley. When he combined with Bellerin he seemed far more effective but at his worst he seemed too eager to be the star.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mesut Ozil: 8 out of 10

With Arsenal seemingly stunned by Bournemouth’s bright start Ozil took hold of the contest and bent it to his will. Indeed questions must soon be asked over whether this team is too reliant on their star man. No other player looked like crafting a chance for much of the match, with Arsenal’s tactics seemingly just 'give it to the No.11’. It paid off in style, but is it sustainable?

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Walcott: 7 out of 10

Another convincing imitation of Alexis Sanchez from the striker, whose understanding with Ozil saw him make several enticing runs. On another day he may have scored but he was full of willingness to get into position to influence the game.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Giroud: 6 out of 10

A quiet display from Giroud, who seemed more than any other to be showing signs of fatigue from Arsenal’s gruelling recent schedule. However the forward was able to make one critical touch, laying in Ozil for Arsenal’s crucial second.

2015 Getty Images

Gabriel and Per Mertesacker both hit the post as Arsenal dominated.

Ozil got the second after 63 minutes when Olivier Giroud flicked the ball to the German who slotted it into the net.

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