ARSENAL forward Kai Havertz praised the performance of "good team" Cherries at Emirates Stadium, stating: "The second half was tough."

Dominant Gunners took the lead just before half-time through a Bukayo Saka penalty, after Havertz controversially went over under a challenge from Mark Travers.

Cherries improved after the restart, before Arsenal got a nerve-settling second goal via Leandro Trossard. Declan Rice then sealed the 3-0 win in stoppage time.

Reflecting on the game, which keeps Arsenal a point ahead of Manchester City in the title race, Havertz told TNT Sports: "It was a tough game.

"We had lots of chances in the first half especially. But we didn't manage to score them.

"Then the second half was tough.

"They have a good team, fair play to them. I think they played quite well.

"In the end we are very happy about the three points and the three goals as well."

Giving his take on the penalty incident, the Germany international added: "I think he (Travers) touches me.

"In the situation I felt the contact and I went down. That's why for me it's a penalty.

"I said to the goalkeeper as well 'you touched me'.

"I think he understood as well on the pitch.

"Maybe it's not that clear, but I think you can give it, for sure."