Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points after a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, with a returning Declan Rice scoring a crucial double.
Gabriel's rollercoaster start
The match began in chaotic fashion for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. After just ten minutes, the Brazilian's wayward pass was intercepted by Bournemouth striker Evanilson, who calmly slotted past David Raya to give the hosts an early lead. Gabriel's despair, however, was short-lived. Six minutes later, he redeemed himself, firing home with his left foot during a goalmouth scramble to pull the Gunners level.
Rice's midfield masterclass
The game was transformed after the break by the returning Declan Rice. The England midfielder, who had missed the previous match with a knee injury, put Arsenal ahead with a superb first-time strike from the edge of the area after a clever lay-off from captain Martin Odegaard. Rice then sealed what appeared to be the victory with his second goal, scoring his first-ever Premier League brace after being teed up by substitute Bukayo Saka.
Nervy finish on the south coast
Bournemouth refused to surrender and set up a tense finale when substitute Eli Junior Kroupi unleashed a stunning 20-yard strike just two minutes after coming on, making it 3-2. Arsenal were forced to withstand late pressure but held on to secure a vital three points. The win was a significant boost for Mikel Arteta's side, especially with a crucial home fixture against Liverpool looming on Thursday.
The match also featured controversy, as Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo – potentially playing his final game for the club ahead of a reported £65 million move to Manchester City – escaped a second yellow card after a challenge on Rice, much to Arteta's visible fury on the touchline.
For Bournemouth, the defeat extends their winless run, while Arsenal's title credentials were tested and ultimately proven in a hard-fought away victory that keeps them clear at the summit.
