Declan Rice overcame a knee concern to inspire Arsenal to a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over Bournemouth, extending the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points.
Arsenal fell behind early after a rare mistake from Gabriel Magalhaes allowed Evanilson to score Bournemouth’s opener. However, the Brazilian defender quickly made amends, restoring parity with a powerful finish to get Mikel Arteta’s side back on track.
Rice, who had missed Arsenal’s midweek 4–1 victory over Aston Villa due to knee swelling, returned to the starting XI and proved decisive. The England midfielder struck twice either side of the hour mark, taking his goal tally for the season to new heights.
Bournemouth briefly reignited the contest through a superb long-range effort from Eli Kroupi, but Arsenal remained composed in the closing stages to secure all three points. The win moves the north London club seven points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand against Chelsea.
The hosts had raised early hopes when Gabriel’s misplaced pass gifted Evanilson a clear chance, which the striker calmly converted for his first home goal of the campaign. Yet Arsenal responded swiftly, with Gabriel smashing home from close range just six minutes later to score his 20th Premier League goal since joining the club in 2020 — more than any other defender in that period.
Rice then took centre stage. He gave Arsenal the lead in the 56th minute after being picked out by Martin Ødegaard before adding his second with a composed finish from Bukayo Saka’s cut-back after the winger came off the bench.
Despite Kroupi’s stunning strike making it a tense finale, Arsenal held firm to condemn Bournemouth to an 11th straight league match without a win. Still, Andoni Iraola’s side remain among the division’s stronger attacking teams, with only five clubs scoring more goals this season.
For Arsenal, the victory represents another significant step toward ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
