Disconnect between players and fans is so damaging to Arsenal

It was not a message that was received particularly widely or warmly. Every time Arsenal had a throw-in, thousands of home fans urged the team to take it quickly, and then reacted angrily when it was not.

As ever, there is merit to both sides of the argument. No, Arsenal cannot simply hurl the ball down the line at each throw-in. And no, they will not enjoy success by launching the ball long towards Viktor Gyokeres, who struggles badly to hold up long passes, at every opportunity. But yes, they can unquestionably play faster.

Those throw-ins, in particular, were agonising to watch in the first half. The lack of movement and risk-taking was striking, given the technical ability of Arteta’s players. Arsenal’s midfielders, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi, were also guilty of too often looking for the safe pass rather than trying to hurt Bournemouth. The best midfielder on the pitch was not Rice, a £105m signing, or Zubimendi, who cost more than £50m. It was Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, signed by Bournemouth from Bristol City for £25m.

One of the many frustrations for the home supporters is that Arteta’s players appear to be more willing to take risks in their own third, when building up through goalkeeper David Raya and the defenders, than in the opposition’s half. In their own half, Arsenal looked for incisive passes under pressure, and not always effectively. In Bournemouth’s half, by contrast, they appeared reluctant to take any gambles.