Declan Rice marked his return from injury with a decisive second-half double as Premier League leaders Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-2 in a gripping contest on the south coast. Having gifted the Cherries the opening goal through a dreadful error from Gabriel Magalhães, the visitors were forced to dig deep before emerging with a fifth successive league win that keeps their title charge on track.
Gabriel’s own equaliser wiped out Evanilson’s early strike after Noni Madueke’s driving run, but it was Rice who ultimately separated the sides, twice finishing calmly from close range after incisive build-up play from Martin Ødegaard and substitute Bukayo Saka. Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi’s superb long-range goal set up a tense finale and Bournemouth were incensed when referee Chris Kavanagh blew for full time as they poured forward in search of an equaliser.
For Andoni Iraola’s side, this was another night that showcased their attacking verve but also the defensive frailties that underpin an 11-game run without a league win. Bournemouth had more shots than Arsenal and the better openings in the first half, becoming only the third team this season to score more than once against the league leaders, yet they again came away empty-handed as Arsenal’s big-game experience and quality in key moments told.
Bournemouth’s Bright Start Punishes Gabriel’s Costly Mistake