Declan Rice delivered a commanding performance by scoring twice as Premier League leaders Arsenal staged an impressive comeback to defeat Bournemouth, strengthening their position at the top of the table and extending their title charge.
The match began on a shaky note for the Gunners when centre-back Gabriel made a costly mistake, playing a blind pass across his own penalty area that was intercepted and calmly converted by Evanilson to give Bournemouth an early lead.
However, Gabriel quickly redeemed himself by rising highest in the box to score the equaliser, firing home a rebound after Gabriel Martinelli’s initial effort was blocked, restoring parity for the visitors.
Bournemouth strike first, Arsenal respond
Bournemouth looked dangerous and pushed forward in search of a second goal, but Arsenal gradually settled into the game and began to assert control in midfield.
That control paid off when Declan Rice stepped up, curling a fine strike from the edge of the area after a well-timed lay-off from captain Martin Ødegaard to put Arsenal ahead.
The England international, making his return from a knee injury, was not done yet. He completed his brace by converting a low cutback from substitute Bukayo Saka, extending Arsenal’s lead and underlining his influence on the game.
Teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi briefly reignited Bournemouth’s hopes with a stunning long-range strike that reduced the deficit and lifted the home crowd.
Despite the late surge, Bournemouth were unable to find an equaliser as Arsenal held firm and saw out the contest.
Arteta rotation pays off
The victory moves Mikel Arteta’s side six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, increasing the pressure on rivals, with Manchester City having a chance to close the gap when they host Chelsea.
Arsenal have now recorded five consecutive Premier League wins, entering the second half of the season with strong momentum and renewed belief.
Arteta’s tactical rotation proved effective, as regular starters Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka were initially left on the bench. The manager prioritised results over fluid football as Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first league title since the 2003/04 season.
Errors, recovery, and control
Arsenal struggled in the opening stages, with Gabriel’s error marking his first mistake leading to a league goal since February 2023. However, his equalising goal and the team’s improved second-half composure helped stabilise the match.
Rice’s second goal was particularly significant, marking his first Premier League brace in 296 appearances. It came shortly after Saka’s introduction as part of a triple substitution that injected pace and creativity into Arsenal’s attack.
Bournemouth struggles continue
For Bournemouth, the defeat extended their poor run to 11 games without a win, their worst sequence in a top-flight campaign.
They remain 15th in the table, nine points above the relegation zone, despite producing a competitive display and outshooting Arsenal 14–11.
Frustration was clear at full-time, with the final whistle blowing as Bournemouth pressed forward in search of a late equaliser.
While Antoine Semenyo endured a quiet outing amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City, teenage forward Kroupi continued to shine, maintaining his status as the league’s top-scoring teenager with six goals this season.