Declan Rice Shines with Brace as Arsenal Edge Bournemouth 3-2
Declan Rice scored twice as Arsenal extended their Premier League lead with a 3-2 comeback win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Gabriel’s Error & Redemption
The match began in dramatic fashion when Gabriel mistakenly played a blind pass across his own box, gifting Evanilson a simple finish to put Bournemouth ahead.
But the Brazilian defender atoned for his error, slamming in the rebound after Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was blocked to level the score.
Rice Steps Up
With the match delicately poised, Declan Rice delivered a powerful strike from outside the area in the 53rd minute to put Arsenal ahead, following a neat lay-off from Martin Ødegaard.
Later, Bukayo Saka—introduced from the bench—assisted Rice’s second of the night with a precise cutback, sealing Rice’s first-ever Premier League brace in his 296th league appearance.
Kroupi Scores, But Arsenal Hold On
Eli Junior Kroupi, 19, pulled one back with a stunning long-range strike, but Bournemouth couldn’t find a late equaliser. Referee Chris Kavanagh’s final whistle, blown during Bournemouth’s attacking phase, frustrated the home side and their supporters.
Arsenal Analysis: Winning Ugly, But Still Winning
This victory marked Arsenal’s fifth consecutive league win, and they did it despite rotating key starters like Saka and Leandro Trossard. Though they were not at their fluent best, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the result.
“At this stage, it’s about results—not dominance,” noted one analyst.
Gabriel’s error was his first leading to a goal since February 2023, but his quick response and Rice’s performance ensured the Gunners took all three points.
Bournemouth Analysis: Spirited but Winless
Andoni Iraola’s side extended their winless run to 11 Premier League matches, despite once again entertaining and pushing a top side.
They recorded 15 shots to Arsenal’s 12, and became only the third team to score more than once against Arsenal this season.
Kroupi, now the top-scoring teenager in the league with six goals, continues to be a bright spark, averaging a goal every 85 minutes.
“We’ve shown we can compete,” Iraola said post-match. “But we need results.”
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