In a close game, Arsenal FC prevailed 3-2 against AFC Bournemouth. The decisive player in the end was Declan Rice, who scored twice. The victory temporarily extends the Gunners’ lead at the top of the table.
Arsenal had the chance to pull ahead in the championship race with Manchester City, who don’t play until Sunday at home against Chelsea. To secure the important three points, Mikel Arteta made three changes to the Gunners’ lineup compared to the 4-1 win over Aston Villa. Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Madueke started in place of Merino, Saka, and Trossard (all on the bench). On the other side, Andoni Iraola made no changes to the Cherries’ lineup from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Gabriel’s blunder puts Bournemouth in the lead
The game started at a fast pace, but neither team created any real chances early on. Madueke had the first real shot on goal in the 8th minute, but it went over the bar. Shortly afterwards, Gabriel made a disastrous mistake in his own penalty area. He played the ball straight to Evanilson, who only had to tap it into the empty net (10th minute).
However, the home side’s lead did not shock the Gunners for long. In the 16th minute, Bournemouth failed to clear a free kick properly. Madueke dribbled into the penalty area, crossed the ball and found Gabriel, of all people. The Arsenal defender made up for his mistake and slammed the ball into the net to make it 1-1. Nevertheless, the Cherries were the slightly superior team until the break. The best chance fell to the very impressive Tavernier in the 32nd minute, but he put the ball over the bar. So the score remained 1-1 at the break.
Rice scores in Toni Kroos style
The Cherries continued to dominate in the second half and had the first chance after the restart through Brooks (53′). However, Arsenal did what a top team does: the visitors took the lead out of nowhere. Ödegaard laid the ball back to Rice, who slotted it into the bottom right corner with the inside of his right foot from the edge of the box in the best Toni Kroos style (54′). The lead was surprising, but the Gunners deserved their 2-1 lead. Bournemouth couldn’t really get back into the game and it was only a matter of time before the visitors made it 3-1. Ödegaard played the ball into the right side of the box to substitute Saka, who also laid it back for Rice. This chance was even easier than the one that made it 2-1. The Englishman converted from ten meters out with the inside of his right foot.
Kroupi’s goal not enough
With the game seemingly decided, substitute Kroupi took heart. He simply shot from 25 meters out in a central position, leaving Raya with no chance. His long-range shot hit the top left corner of the Gunners’ goal (76′). This brought the excitement back and the Cherries fans whipped their team forward. However, Arsenal didn’t allow any more chances and temporarily extended their lead at the top of the table to six points.
Bournemouth have been waiting for a Premier League win since October 26 and remain in the lower mid-table. The Cherries’ next game is at home against Tottenham on Wednesday (8:30 p.m.). Arsenal play a day later (9 p.m.) in a prestigious clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
