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Arsenal produced one of the worst performances of their season against Bournemouth and lost 2-1.
The Gunners were well below their usual standards, and very few players came out of the game with any credit. They were deservedly beaten by the Cherries.
After a dismal first half and a poor start to the second, Mikel Arteta tried to change things by making a triple substitution in the 55th minute.
One of the players he introduced was Max Dowman, but his teammates did not use him properly, said Martin Keown.
Who was Arsenal’s worst performer against Bournemouth?
Martin Keown says Arsenal players ignored Max Dowman against Bournemouth
Arsenal struggled to build any sort of rhythm throughout the game.
The Gunners were slow and predictable with their build-up, which made it easier for Bournemouth to defend against them.
Even when they didn’t have the ball, as Andoni Iraola said, the Cherries won more duels and second balls, showing they just wanted it more.
Arteta’s triple change just 10 minutes into the second half showed how desperate he was, and Dowman was brought on with the intention of adding creativity and energy.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
However, instead of giving him the ball and allowing him to influence the game, Arsenal players continued to play in the same way.
Keown was clearly frustrated watching it unfold, and like the home fans, he started screaming for Dowman to be given the ball. Sadly, that didn’t happen much.
He said on TNT Sports: “Arsenal fixed the play, and the picture never changed. Arsenal then couldn’t develop the play into their midfield players.
“Even when Dowman came on, we were all screaming, ‘Give him the ball’, but they didn’t have enough good control of the ball in the midfield.
“That is all down to Bournemouth and Arsenal not mixing up their game enough.”
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Credit: Getty Images/Glyn KIRK /AFP Arsenal need Martin Odegaard back in the team
Martin Odegaard has faced a lot of criticism this season, but games like the one against Bournemouth showed how important he really is.
The Norway international is often the only player who consistently tries to get Arsenal playing and control the tempo of the game.
Odegaard also has a strong understanding with the right-winger, whether it is Dowman, Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka.
That connection has been missing for large parts of this season, which is why the Gunners have had problems in their attack.
With just six games left in the Premier League, Arsenal need their captain back at his best. If Odegaard can return and deliver big performances, it could make the difference in the title race.
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