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Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Bournemouth, Danny Murphy
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Bournemouth, Danny Murphy
A key decision made by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta helped to secure the Gunners' comeback victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, according to Danny Murphy.
The Gunners went behind in just nine seconds to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium, with Gary O'Neil's side scoring straight from kick-off.
It was Phillip Billing who got the goal following good play from new signing Dango Ouattara, giving the Cherries a shock lead.
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They made it 2-0 after half-time, with an unmarked Marcos Senesi powering home a header from a Bournemouth corner.
It looked as if Arsenal were heading for a shock second home defeat of the season, but they threatened a comeback on 62 minutes. Emile Smith Rowe met a corner with a header, finding Thomas Partey at the back post who made no mistake from close range.
It was then 2-2 when Ben White's shot on the half volley crossed the line, despite a save from Neto.
The Gunners continued to probe to find the winner, but had to wait until the last kick of the game to find it. From another corner, the ball fell to Reiss Nelson from 20 yards. The winger took the ball down onto his weak left foot, before firing his effort into the corner of the net beyond Neto to secure an incredible victory.
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They restored their five point lead at the top of the table following Manchester City's earlier win - and Murphy picked out the decision Arteta made that ensured it could all happen.
Speaking on Match of the Day, former Liverpool midfielder Murphy was full of praise for the decisions Arteta took in bringing on Reiss Nelson and Ben White, with both players scoring.
But it was the circumstances behind both calls that made them key, with White replacing Takehiro Tomiyasu at half-time, and Nelson replacing Smith Rowe, who had come onto the pitch as a first half substitute himself.
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Murphy explained: "Arteta deserves great credit here.
"He made two substitutions today. They were ruthless. He took Tomiyasu off at half-time, wasn't playing particularly well, and Ben White came on who scored a goal.
"He brought Emile Smith Rowe off, who had already come on - they subbed a sub - to bring Reiss Nelson on, not really thinking about the player and the effect on him, but he's thinking, 'This is what we need for the team'.
"I thought that was a brilliant piece of management and a tough decision for him, I have to say. Well played, Arteta."