Arsenal FC also held harmless against Bournemouth at the top of the Premier League table. Even an early setback did not upset the “Gunners” in their 3:2 (1:1) away win on Saturday evening. Midfielder Declan Rice crowned himself the match winner with his brace.
Central defender Gabriel gave Bournemouth an early lead with a catastrophic bad pass into the feet of goalscorer Evanilson (10th minute of the game). However, Gabriel himself ironed out his mistake six minutes later and scored the equalizer. England international Rice turned the game in favor of the leaders with a brace (54th and 71st). Joker Eli Kroupi ensured a hot final phase with his long-range goal (76th), but Mikel Arteta’s team’s defense held up afterwards.
After Aston Villa’s win against Nottingham, Arsenal kept the gap to the current second-placed team at six points with their fourth win in a row. Manchester City can push past Villa again on Sunday evening against Chelsea (6.30 p.m.), but even if they win, Arsenal would still be four points ahead of the Citizens.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, despite a good performance, remained without a win for the eleventh game in a row and is slowly but surely in the relegation battle after a good start to the season.
Gabriel’s eventful seven minutes
The first few minutes had been uneventful, then Gabriel caused the first upset with his major misfire: near his own goal line, the Brazilian played a hair-raising bad pass into the feet of Evanilson, who was able to effortlessly slot in from a central position.
Less than seven minutes later, the leaders equalized – the scorer was the central defender, who kept his calm in a confusing situation and shot a rebound powerfully into the net. Gabriel was relieved and loudly celebrated his equalizing goal – which, however, initially did not give the guests any security.
Bournemouth appeared cheeky, and star player Antoine Semenyo was also able to pose dangerously at times. According to media reports, the Ghanaian winger is about to transfer to Manchester City. However, Semenyo did not let the hype around him show.
Last game for Bournemouth? Semenyo (r.) in a duel with Gabriel
Odegaard initiates twice, Rice scores each time
The draw went into the break in line with performance, but Arsenal could not yet be completely satisfied with their own performance. There was still reason to celebrate early in the second half: Martin Odegaard crossed in the penalty area with a lot of overview, Rice, just as carefully, finished flat with the inside into the right corner to give the visitors the lead.
Another good idea from captain Odegaard led to Rice’s next goal a little later. The Norwegian sent Bukayo Saka deep with a perfectly tempered pass. Saka put it back – and again Rice coldly pushed the ball into the goal.
Bournemoth Joker Kroupi creates tension once again
Bournemouth, who overall showed an appealing performance despite their recent negative series, did not give in yet. Joker Kroupi initiated an attack from the right and then got the ball back in the center. The 19-year-old Frenchman made a remarkable shot from 23 meters and gave Raya no chance in the Arsenal goal.
The game was completely open again, but the Cherries were no longer able to develop a real period of pressure. Arsenal deserved to win and can still have high hopes for their first championship title since the 2003/04 season.