Arsenal welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates this weekend after their impressive midweek win in the Europa League.
The Gunners will be feeling confident about their chances, but Unai Emery has a number of decisions to make ahead of the game.
We used FIFA 20 to see how the match could pan out, and this is how the new game simulated Sunday’s tie.
Arsenal XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, Tierney; Xhaka, Guendouzi; Pepe, Dani Ceballos, Saka; Aubameyang.
Bournemouth XI: Ramsdale; Stacey, S. Cook, Ake, Diego Rico; H. Wilson, Lerma, Billing, Fraser; King, C. Wilson.
First half
Bournemouth started the game brightly, with Eddie Howe’s side not allowing Arsenal any freedom at home.
However, their hard work was quickly undone when Philip Billing went in heavy on Dani Ceballos inside the area.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang coolly dispatched from the spot, giving the Gunners the lead after just 23 minutes.
Bernd Leno produced a great save from close range as Callum Wilson tried to draw Bournemouth level. He was on the end of Harry Wilson’s swooping cross, but the German shot-stopper saved well.
Second half
Mesut Ozil was brought off the bench with half an hour to go and instantly livened things up for the home side. Arsenal fans may be surprised to see this happen on Sunday, with his long-term future appearing to be away from the club.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Ryan Fraser to break into the box and pick out Callum Wilson, who was afforded far too much space and slotted the ball past Leno to square things up in the 67th minute.
Final score
It shows you how realistic the game can be, as it was a performance that resonated with Arsenal’s Premier League season so far. The Gunners didn’t do enough in the final third to take all three points and a moment of rash defending gave Bournemouth the opportunity to get back in the game.
Emery will be hoping that this doesn’t happen on Sunday. After Arsenal’s disappointing performance at Old Trafford last time out, a 1-1 draw at home to Bournemouth would not stem the rising pressure he is under.
