BOURNEMOUTH — Martin Odegaard scored twice in the opening 11 minutes as Arsenal outclassed newly-promoted Bournemouth for a 3-0 victory to move top of the Premier League on Saturday.
The former Real Madrid player, Arsenal's captain, opened the scoring after five minutes following good work by Gabriel Jesus and doubled their lead from Ben White's pull back.
SUPERB footwork from Gabriel Jesus in the buildup to Odegaard's first of two goals.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 20, 2022
¡Ødegaard ya lleva dos !
⚽️ Martin Ødegaard con un zurdazo marca su doblete.Bournemouth ⚫️ 0-2 Arsenal
@NBCUniverso y la APP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/CuZqtnhODK#LigaPremierTD pic.twitter.com/smutYksdV8
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) August 20, 2022
Bournemouth failed to have a shot or touch in Arsenal's penalty area in a one-sided first half and they were only marginally better in the second period.
French defender William Saliba curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner to make it 3-0 in the 54th minute and put Arsenal in to cruise control in the south coast sunshine.
Do do do do do do...SALIBA!
Arsenal now lead 3-0 over Bournemouth. #AFC: @nbc, @NBCUniverso & @peacockTV #MyPLMorning | #BOUARS pic.twitter.com/56LNOWTXlT
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 20, 2022
Here's the Saliba chant you've been hearing most of that first half. #MyPLMorning | #BOUARS
(via @Stillberto)pic.twitter.com/wPYjUUSdIK— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 20, 2022
Jesus, outstanding again for Arsenal, had a goal ruled out for offside as the visitors made it three successive wins — a contrast to last season when they lost their opening three.
What a difference a year makes for Arsenal. #MyPLMorning | #AFC pic.twitter.com/7zbpdqBVev
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 20, 2022
It is the first time they have won their first three Premier League games in 18 years.
Arsenal are top with nine points, two more than north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, although champions Manchester City can dislodge them with a win at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Bournemouth have suffered back-to-back defeats after beating Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman Editing by Christian Radnedge)
