Three things we learnt from Bournemouth’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal

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Olivier Giroud’s dramatic injury-time goal salvaged a point for Arsenal from a pulsating Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium. The Gunners found themselves 3-0 down with less than half an hour to play after Charlie Daniels, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser had sent Bournemouth supporters wild. A famous victory for the hosts, who had never beaten Arsenal in their history, looked on the cards but Alexis Sanchez began the comeback before a wonder strike from Lucas Perez trimmed the deficit to one. Arsene Wenger’s side piled on the pressure and, after Bournemouth skipper Simon Francis had controversially seen red for a lunge on Aaron Ramsey, eventually summoned an equaliser deep in stoppage time through the in-form Giroud. Here are three things we learnt from a memorable evening on the south coast.

Giroud again underlines his value to Arsenal

The Frenchman’s days as a first-choice striker at the Emirates had appeared to be numbered this season, with Sanchez – and even Theo Walcott – selected to spearhead the attack ahead of him. Giroud joined Arsenal in 2012 and has 61 Premier League goals to his name from 162 appearances. Despite this, he has never fully endeared himself to the club’s supporters, many of whom believe he is symbolic of Wenger’s policy not to spend top money on a proven, world-class striker. But his last-gasp leveller against Bournemouth was his third in as many matches, which has kept Arsenal just about in title contention. In fact, Giroud’s six Premier League goals this term have come, on average, every 73 minutes. He also has three assists, which proves how important he is to the Gunners. His ability in the air will always be a major weapon and as he demonstrated with his scarcely believable scorpion kick against Crystal Palace, he is capable of the spectacular