Havertz scores as Arsenal thump winless Bournemouth (2024)

Kai Havertz scored his first goal for Arsenal with a penalty as they comfortably beat winless Bournemouth in the Premier League at Vitality Stadium.

Havertz, who has struggled since arriving from Chelsea in the summer, converted the second of two Gunners penalties to ensure their third consecutive away victory.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring, heading in the rebound from Gabriel Jesus' effort and Martin Odegaard scored a penalty to give Mikel Arteta's side a comfortable lead at the break.

The Gunners' dominance continued into the second half, and after Havertz scored, Ben White headed home from Odegaard's free-kick in added time to add gloss to a comprehensive victory.

Bournemouth drop into the bottom three, with no wins from their first seven league matches under new manager Andoni Iraola.

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Arsenal prove just too strong

Arsenal's first proper attack of the game ended in the opening goal as they got back to winning ways following their 2-2 draw against Tottenham last weekend.

Odegaard swung in a deep cross which was headed off the bar by Jesus and Saka was in the right place to head home the rebound.

That put Bournemouth on the back foot against a team who have now avoided defeat in the past 40 Premier League matches in which they have scored first, a run dating back to January 2022.

Bournemouth's chances were few and far between in a mainly one-sided contest. Dominic Solanke was through on goal but William Saliba made a vital interception to stop the shot. Ryan Christie had an effort just before the break but it was comfortably gathered by David Raya, who now has three cleans sheets in four games.

Max Aarons slid in and caught Eddie Nketiah in the box to concede a penalty just before half-time. Regular penalty taker Saka gave the ball to Odegaard, who slotted into Neto's bottom left corner after a stuttering run-up.

Christie clattered into Odegaard in the box as the Cherries conceded a second penalty, and Havertz also struck into the bottom left corner.

Substitute Emile Smith Rowe had a golden opportunity to get on the scoresheet in the closing stages but struck wide from close range before White rounded off the scoring.

Bournemouth have scored just once in their four home league games this season - and that came in their season opener against West Ham in August. The hosts did not present much of a challenge as Arsenal recorded a routine away win.