Bournemouth vs Arsenal reaction: Mathieu Flamini defends challenge on Dan Gosling after Eddie Howe criticism

Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 2

Flamini (Getty)

Mathieu Flamini has defended his challenge on Dan Gosling during the 2-0 win at Bournemouth after Eddie Howe said the Frenchman should have been sent off.

The 31-year-old appeared to go in late on Gosling at Dean Court as the Gunners got back to winning ways courtesy of first-half goals by Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

On his tackle, Flamini explained: “I was focused on the ball. We went together to compete and I think I took the ball and [it was] a good decision from the referee.”

Howe, whose side are now five points above the relegation zone, was less than pleased with the incident and says the Arsenal man should have been dismissed for his troubles.

The Cherries boss said: “I thought it was a red. I had a very good view, it looked like it was two-footed and potentially off the floor.

“I've only seen it live but my initial view was a definite red card. Going off first viewing, it wasn't a difficult decision. I felt that the two-footed tackle had been outlawed and it was a red card."

“I think the quality that [Arsenal] have got in the front positions [was the difference].

“Early in the game we found it difficult to get pressure on the ball and to really influence their possession and ultimately on the back of that possession they scored two goals.”