Rice double steadies Arsenal after early scare at Bournemouth

Arsenal respond to early setback at Bournemouth

Declan Rice delivered a decisive performance as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-2 win against Bournemouth, a result that underlined both resilience and momentum in the Premier League title race. The leaders were tested on the south coast, made uncomfortable by Bournemouth’s energy and invention, but ultimately found clarity through Rice’s authority in midfield.

Mistake and response shape first half

The afternoon began awkwardly for Arsenal. Gabriel, usually so composed, attempted a blind pass across his own penalty area and inadvertently gifted Evanilson the opening goal. Bournemouth, encouraged by that early breakthrough, pressed with confidence and created further chances, exposing Arsenal’s lack of fluency in the opening exchanges.

Yet the response was immediate and telling. Gabriel, eager to atone, found himself in the right place after Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was blocked, lashing home the rebound to restore parity. It was a moment that steadied Arsenal, even if their overall performance before the interval lacked the control usually associated with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Rice takes charge after interval

Arsenal emerged with greater purpose in the second half, and Rice became the central figure. After 53 minutes he struck from the edge of the area, meeting Martin Odegaard’s lay off with precision to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. It was Arsenal’s first shot since the 18th minute, but it carried weight and authority.

Arteta’s substitutions proved influential. Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench as part of a triple change, immediately raised the tempo. His cutback found Rice once more, the midfielder finishing calmly for his first Premier League double in his 296th league appearance. Back from a knee injury, Rice looked refreshed and decisive, embodying Arsenal’s growing belief.

Bournemouth promise but familiar frustration

Bournemouth refused to fade quietly. Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi reignited hope with a superb strike from outside the box, his sixth league goal of the season confirming his emergence as a rare bright spot. The Cherries had more shots than Arsenal, 15 to 12, and became only the third side to score twice against the Gunners this campaign.

Still, the pattern of their season endured. This defeat extended a run of 11 games without a win, leaving Bournemouth 15th despite performances that have often merited more. Antoine Semenyo, possibly playing his final home match before a mooted £65m move to Manchester City, was subdued, while frustration spilled over at the final whistle as Bournemouth pressed in vain for an equaliser.

For Arsenal, this was about results rather than elegance. Five straight league wins now place them six points clear at the summit, a familiar sense of purpose returning as they chase a first title since 2003-04.