Arsenal extended their lead at the Premier League summit to six points after surviving a late fightback from Bournemouth to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners, who came from behind to win, were indebted to a brace from midfielder Declan Rice, who made a surprise return to the starting line-up after recovering from a knee injury. The win puts significant pressure on their title rivals as the season enters a crucial phase.
Gabriel's rollercoaster start
The match began in chaotic fashion for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. With just ten minutes played, the Brazilian centre-back gifted Bournemouth the opening goal with a wayward pass that was intercepted by striker Evanilson, who calmly finished past David Raya.
Remarkably, Gabriel redeemed himself just six minutes later. After a goalmouth scramble following good work from Noni Madueke, the ball fell to the defender, who showed composure to slot home a left-footed equaliser and atone for his earlier error.
Rice inspires crucial comeback
The game turned decisively in Arsenal's favour in the second half, driven by the returning Declan Rice. The England international completed the visitors' comeback with a superb first-time strike from the edge of the area after a fine team move involving Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Odegaard.
Rice then looked to have sealed the points by scoring his second and Arsenal's third, netting his first ever Premier League brace. Substitute Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench, created the chance with an unselfish lay-off after a darting run into the box.
Late drama and talking points
Bournemouth refused to surrender and set up a tense finale when teenage substitute Eli Junior Kroupi unleashed a stunning 20-yard strike just two minutes after coming on, making it 3-2.
The match was not without controversy. Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, potentially playing his final game for the club ahead of a reported £65 million move to Manchester City, was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card after a challenge on Rice, much to the fury of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
For Arsenal, concerns will linger over the form of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has now gone more than two months without a goal from open play. With Gabriel Jesus nearing full fitness and Kai Havertz close to a return, the Swedish international's place is under increasing scrutiny.
The victory sees Arsenal start 2026 with a crucial three points, while Bournemouth's winless run extends back to October. The Gunners now turn their attention to a monumental clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
