Arsenal returned to winning ways after a dip in form with a relatively straightforward 2-0 win over plucky Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium today.

The Gunners, who had not scored in three games, closed the gap on table topping Leicester City to just five points with 13 games left to play.

With the Foxes up next in what could ultimately prove to be a title decider, it was all but imperative that manager Arsene Wenger made up ground on the top order.

Bournemouth provided a tough test in the opening stages, remaining as competitive as they have been all season.

However, the deadlock was finally broken within 20 minutes as Mesut Ozil expertly controlled a volley past the baying Artur Boruc in goal.

After waiting almost five hours for a goal, the North London giants had clearly gained a taste for it once more.

Just 90 seconds after, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain justified his inclusion ahead of Joel Campbell and Theo Walcott with his first ever Arsenal away goal.

Poor defending perhaps, but the England man did well to race through on goal and get his shot away.

With a two goal cushion, the visitors were largely in control for most of the game with their expert ball retention.

It wasn't plain sailing by any means, with the hosts improving late on and forcing Petr Cech into a smart double save.

What did we learn? Well here are five things, at least.

GABRIEL A BETTER OPTION THAN PER

Costa Gabriel

Per Mertesacker has a fine pedigree, though the towering German fails to wholly convince he is of the required standard to lead Arsenal to a first Premier League title in over a decade.

Since his sending off against Chelsea, it has afforded Gabriel a chance in the starting lineup. While the Brazilian isn't the most comfortable on the ball, he is clearly a high quality defender.

Perhaps that's exactly what the Gunners need. The 25-year old is a dying breed. A modern day defender who puts, well, defending first!

He's far more mobile than his World Cup winning teammate, dealing with pace in a much more assured manner.

PETR CECH IS HUGELY IMPORTANT

Petr Cech (3)

Okay, this might be stating the obvious somewhat. However, the vastly experienced custodian proved impossible to beat as the hosts turned the screw late on.

There is simply no overstating just how important the former Chelsea stopper is to this team. In years gone by, the Gunners may have conceded late on and set up a nervy finish on the South Coast.

If Arsenal are truly going to challenge, the Czech's mental strength will be of the utmost importance.

FLAMINI CAN COPE

Flamini

With the greatest respect to Bournemouth, there will clearly be harder tests. However, Mathieu Flamini proved today he can cope in the holding role against a side with high tempo.

Question marks were raised over his inclusion in the side ahead of Francis Coquelin, but his countryman turned in a Man of the Match performance. His work ethic helped snuff out Cherries attacks, stopping the hosts from getting into full flow more often than not.

Granted, he might have sent off for two footed challenge on Dan Gosling, though grew into the game as things progressed.

BOURNEMOUTH NOT YET SAFE

Wigan Athletic v AFC Bournemouth - Sky Bet Football League Championship

The Cherries were by no means awful today, though the fear of relegation must still loom on the South Coast.

Arsenal have the ability to tear most teams in Europe apart, though their application sometimes lacks. While we must take that into account, Eddie Howe's side made it far too easy for them today.

Especially for the second goal, where Oxlade-Chamberlain was afforded acres of space.

NEXT WEEK'S GAME TAKES ON EVEN MORE IMPORTANCE

Claudio Ranieri (2)

Leicester City disposed of Man City with relative ease yesterday, adding extra importance to their imminent clash with the Gunners.

The North London giants will host the Foxes, aiming to close the gap to just two points at the top of the table. Should Wenger mastermind a win there, the dip in form will be well and truly forgotten.