Arsenal returned to their winning ways with a 3-1 home victory against Bournemouth, as Alexis Sanchez scored twice at Emirates Stadium.
Sanchez exploited a terrible defensive lapse to put Arsenal in front early on, but Nacho Monreal was penalised for a foul on Callum Wilson, allowing the striker to equalise from the penalty spot.
Arsenal struggled to impose themselves on a Bournemouth team intent on playing neat football but after Theo Walcott scored his sixth league goal of the season, Sanchez finally killed the game off in injury time.
Positives
The end of the November curse. Historically poor in this month, Arsenal had drawn successive matches against Tottenham and Manchester United, playing poorly too, so taking three points was vital after a Saturday when Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all won. It wasn't the most convincing of victories, but the win was everything, and Arsenal are now 19 games unbeaten in all competitions.
Negatives
Losing Mathieu Debuchy so early into his unlikely comeback invited questions as to whether he was really ready for the occasion. Arsenal also looked unconvincing for long periods, and Arsene Wenger is still struggling to find the right midfield combination with Santi Cazorla sidelined. In defence, Monreal looked rather penalty prone, which is not promising.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Made seven changes following the 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek and returning Sanchez to the centre of the attack was the correct move as he ended his longest goalless streak of the season, four games. Questions will be asked about Debuchy's involvement but this was a good afternoon's work for a manager who often struggles at this juncture of the season.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Petr Cech, 7 -- Looked sharp to deny Adam Smith at his near post after 28 minutes and after a long period of inaction made a fantastic save to deny Benik Afobe with 14 minutes left as he stopped the ball on the line with his legs. It was a vital intervention, with the score just 2-1 at the time.
DF Mathieu Debuchy, 6 -- After 370 days without an appearance for Arsenal, the Frenchman's comeback lasted just 15 minutes, as he was forced to hobble down the tunnel with an injury. An early clever backheel suggested his confidence was intact, but his match fitness perhaps was not.
DF Shkodran Mustafi, 6 -- Picked up a booking and was generally less assured than Laurent Koscielny. He made only one tackle but helped to bring Gabriel into the game at right-back after his early, unexpected arrival.
DF Laurent Koscielny, 8 -- Marshalled the defence well against a lively Bournemouth side, made important tackles and used the ball carefully when in possession. A typically proficient performance from the stand-in captain who deserves the armband full-time instead of Per Mertesacker. Eight clearances, six interceptions and four successful tackles made for a fine day's work.
DF Nacho Monreal, 5 -- Was central to the most contentious moment of the first half, as he tangled with Callum Wilson and gave away a penalty, which the Bournemouth forward converted. Monreal was outraged by the decision, but it was certainly clumsy as he led with his arm. Made amends in the second half when his cross found Walcott to head in a second but he could easily have given away a second spot-kick when a cross from Simon Francis clipped his arm.
MF Granit Xhaka, 6 -- The Swiss international had become a cause celebre after being left out of the starting XI in recent weeks but he was bypassed too frequently in the first half as he failed to replicate the class and control of the missing Cazorla. Unleashed one from long range on 69 minutes but couldn't hit the target. Xhaka at least added steel to the side with eight tackles.
MF Mohamed Elneny, 6 -- In a sterile first-half performance from Arsenal, Elneny provided a semblance of an attacking threat, having a shot blocked on eight minutes and then firing over towards the end of the half. The Egyptian can normally be relied upon to monopolise possession but was outpassed by the visiting midfield.
MF Theo Walcott, 7 -- Was brought back into the side but initially lacked the sharpness which characterised his impressive start to the season. Could have won a penalty on 42 minutes when following some delightful close control in the box he rifled a shot against the arms of a defender. Put Arsenal back in front on 53 minutes with a lovely header, directing the ball down and across the line from a Monreal cross.
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 5 -- Was chosen ahead of Alex Iwobi on the left after his crucial assist in the last Premier League game against Manchester United but failed to make the most of his chance. He caused a few problems early on with his pace and direct running but often made the wrong decision in possession.
No. 10 Mesut Ozil, 7 -- Had the first chance of the match when he arrived into the penalty area with a late run and saw a weak effort blocked. Teed up Sanchez for a good attempt with a typically clever lay-off and had a hand in Arsenal's second when his body swerve made time and space in the box and saw a cross deflected out to Monreal. A level above anyone else when he put his mind to it.
FW Alexis Sanchez, 8 -- Exploited a horrendous error from Steve Cook to open the scoring, pouncing on an undercooked backpass to slot home after 12 minutes. Was inches away from winning a penalty from Nathan Ake two minutes later and cracked a shot off the bar in first-half injury time. Got a stupid yellow card for an awful tackle from behind on Harry Arter but settled the match in injury time when tapping home from Olivier Giroud's cross. A class act again.
Substitutes
DF Gabriel Paulista (on for Debuchy, 16) 6 -- Coped adequately in a position that is unfamiliar. Chipped in with two tackles as he showed initiative but lost possession too frequently.
MF Aaron Ramsey (on for Oxlade-Chamberlain, 75) N/A -- Had little time to influence the game but linked up well with his team-mates.
FW Olivier Giroud (on for Walcott, 76) N/A -- Set up Sanchez for the third goal with a lovely low cross from the right of the box. Made the desired impact.