Bournemouth have got no option but to pile forward now and they do just that as Harry Arter is not picked up by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and he lets fly with a fizzing effort from the edge of the area that Petr Cech tips over. 

Femi Oyedola: London buses, Arsenal goals, you know the drill!

Mike: Put them to the sword, Arsenal! Get that goal difference back up into contention!

Gareth Brett: Arsenal pushing for the 11 they need...

BBC Radio Solent
Ex-Bournemouth defender John Williams at the Vitality Stadium

"Bournemouth have an awful lot to do now. Not too many teams come back from 2-0 down against Arsenal, especially when they're moving the ball the way they are. The Gunners have been very positive since the start. This is a class outfit, no doubt about that."

BBC Radio 5 Live
Southend manager Phil Brown

Image source, Reuters

"Olivier Giroud did so well, with Alexis Sanchez on his shoulder, to rise majesticlaly and cushion the ball down to Mesut Ozil. And this time it was so easy even you and I could have finished it."

Nick, Calne: There is a reason why Flamini was allowed to leave the last time around. He is just not up to it. Waving your arms around when defending is not going to get the job done.

Playing it long looks to be the best option at the moment, with the midfield looking very congested. Not much between the two sides, but not much quality on show either.

Check out how many sideways passes Arsenal made before that chance was carved for Alexis Sanchez...

Image source, Opta

Arsenal have all the possession but are yet to really give Bournemouth much to worry about. 

An attack looks promising as Hector Bellerin breaks forward from the right and he swings a ball in deep towards the far post, but Adam Smith heads clear.

BBC Radio 5 Live
Southend manager Phil Brown

"Alexis Sanchez's shot was only about six yards out but he skied it like you or I might have done. Not what you expect of a player of his quality."

Image source, Reuters

There's 29 years between the two managers today. In fact, when Eddie Howe was born in 1977, Arsene Wenger was at the third club of his playing career, ASPV Strasbourg.

Image source, Getty Images

Best chance of a pretty uneventful opening 13 minutes falls to Arsenal, as Alexis Sanchez races through to chase a ball over the top, but the angle is difficult and he shoots over.

Arsenal give away another free-kick, this time in a more dangerous position around 25 yards from goal. Nacho Monreal is penalised for climbing over Benik Afobe, who goes down a bit too easily.

Matt Ritchie takes the free kick but it is a shocker, high and wide.

Image source, Getty Images

Ian Funnell: Flamini is a liability. Should be nowhere near the first team.

Nick UTA: Just get Flamini off. Doesn't matter who for - beats playing with 10 men.

Image source, Getty Images

Mathieu Flamini goes in the book for a heavy challenge on Dan Gosling midway inside the Arsenal half. The free-kick is played short to Harry Arter, but his shot smacks into a crowd of players in the Arsenal box.

Hitting long seems to be Bournemouth's tactic for the time being and Benik Afobe, playing as the lone striker, could be in for a frustrating afternoon. He is surrounded by Arsenal shirts as he chases a lofted pass by Steve Cook, and loses that battle.

BBC Radio 5 Live
Southend manager Phil Brown

"The atmosphere here has put Bournemouth straight onto the front foot and there's no question of Arsenal stringing together 30 passes. The home side have been right in their faces. It's been a very positive start."