Danny Murphy waxed lyrical about Bournemouth and their mentality as they beat the Gunners 2-1 to dent their title hopes and boost the Cherries’ European ambitions, setting a new club record unbeaten run in the Premier League in the process.
Murphy said: “I feel lucky I get to do this positive bit on Bournemouth because they were outstanding collectively, individually.
“With the ball, brave, high in quality, committing men forward. Without the ball, they were tenacious, they went after them all over the pitch.
“They are so well coached. The tactical plan was perfect. Fitness levels, discipline, every aspect.
Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie (left) and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London. (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
“[Marcos] Senesi was outstanding. His distribution from the back is phenomenal. Progressive passing through the lines.
“There wasn’t a bad performance by any player, but [Adrien] Truffert at left back, he was non-stop.
“[Noni] Madueke switches off here. You’ll see [Mikel] Arteta telling him, but it’s too late. He kept going time and time again.
“And then at the top of your screen, you see Kroupi get in between Lewis-Skelly and Rice, and when the ball comes over, it’s an easy tap in for him [for the first goal].
“And you think that would kick Arsenal into gear, but it didn’t really. Bournemouth were really good again, winning the ball.
Bournemouth’s Alex Jimenez (right) challenges Arsenal’s Gabriel during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London. (Image: Adam DavyPA Wire)
“Alex Scott outstanding in the middle of the pitch, but not just winning the ball back, then having the calmness to play with the quality.”
Murphy also praised Alex Jimenez for his energy at right back, along with Ryan Christie in midfield, adding that he was impressed with the Cherries’ desire to go for the game.
“This is a team who would do this against anyone, they’re full of confidence,” he said, adding: “This is a side, by the way, you’d have every right to try and keep a draw at Arsenal and just sit in.”
The pundit said he believed the Cherries felt Arsenal were there for the taking and looked the more likely to score throughout.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice (left) challenges Bournemouth’s Alex Scott during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday April 11, 2026. (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
He praised goalscorer Alex Scott as the “best player on the pitch” and said: “You can’t say they didn’t deserve it.
“So although we’ll talk about Arsenal, I think Bournemouth deserve a lot of credit because that level of performance is probably as good as I’ve seen anyone produce at Arsenal this season.”
Shearer added: “I’ve got to say I agree with Danny how brilliant Bournemouth were, and their press. Arsenal just couldn’t deal with that today, and they were the much better team.”