It was that most unlikely of afflictions for Arsenal. They have been found wanting at set-pieces over the years, or have proved unable to beat the best, or have been undone by indiscipline, but they have rarely struggled to score.
Then, when a first league title in 12 years seemed feasible, the goals dried up. Impotence came at a cost. They went from first to fourth, from favourites to outsiders. Arsenal, seemingly, were finding a new way not to win the league.
But their longest drought since 2009 came to an abrupt end on Sunday. After waiting more than five hours for a goal, Arsenal had two inside two minutes. A first victory in five games was secured. Manchester City were leapfrogged. The Gunners go into Sunday's meeting with league leaders Leicester in third.
“They suddenly become the favourite in the Premier League and it makes our game a big game,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
Recent setbacks, plus a demanding fixture list, mean his side still face an uphill task to top the division, but perhaps a recovery is underway.
“It was a must-win game,” admitted the Frenchman.
Read more: Arsenal draw even with Tottenham in title race after comfortable win over Bournemouth
His team triumphed away against in-form opponents without entering top gear. That, in itself, is a sign of the talent that contributes to their capacity to frustrate. Bournemouth were beaten by a quick one-two, a swift double strike by Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“The game was won in the first half,” said Aaron Ramsey, who excelled in midfield. “There was no room for error.”
Alexis Sanchez continued his comeback and looked a little sharper, but it was not vintage Arsenal. It did not need to be. They exercised control for spells. Bournemouth had possession but not incision and, if this promised embarrassment for Wenger as his side faced Benik Afobe, the in-form Cherries striker who was never granted a first-team appearance for Arsenal, their alumnus was kept quiet.
Afobe’s fine form since his £10 million (Dh40.9m) move from Wolves had prompted comparisons with Arsenal, who had again opted not to sign a striker. They sourced goals from midfielders instead. Ozil showed an often hidden predatory streak, ghosting into space and being rewarded for his anticipation. When Olivier Giroud headed down Ramsey’s deep cross, he hooked his shot into the roof of the net.
One became two. After Steve Cook gifted possession to Ramsey, he found Oxlade-Chamberlain, who angled his shot in off the far post.
It was vindication for Wenger, who had brought the Englishman in for Joel Campbell, and a statistical milestone for Oxlade-Chamberlain who, in his fifth year at Arsenal, finally scored a Premier League goal away from home. That statistic highlights how a talented player’s development has arrested, partly by injuries and squad rotation, but also by a long wait to convert potential into an end product.
Petr Cech represents more of a proven performer and he preserved the lead. A save from Harry Arter’s swerving shot was spectacular. An injury-time double stop from Cook and Arter averted a comeback. It showed Bournemouth’s persistence, but there was a gulf in class.
The only caveat attached to Arsenal’s victory concerned the officiating. They were reduced to 10 men within 20 minutes against Chelsea. They could have been depleted inside 10 against Bournemouth. Mathieu Flamini leapt in rather recklessly towards Dan Gosling. Referee Kevin Friend opted for the lesser punishment of a yellow card.
“I thought it was a red,” Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said. “I had a very good view. It wasn’t a difficult decision. The two-footed tackle has been outlawed.”
Another two-pronged assault was rather more legal. Two goals, in quick succession, ended Arsenal’s uncharacteristic wait.
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