Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth, with England midfielder Declan Rice scoring twice to earn the Premier League leaders a 3-2 victory at the Emirates.
Bournemouth took an early lead after Arsenal centre-back Gabriel’s errant pass was intercepted by Evanilson, who finished calmly into the net. Arsenal responded before halftime, with Gabriel redeeming himself by scoring from a rebound following Gabriel Martinelli’s shot.
Rice put the Gunners ahead in the 53rd minute, firing in from the edge of the box after Martin Ødegaard’s lay-off, before completing his first Premier League double in his 296th game, assisted by Bukayo Saka. Bournemouth’s teenager Eli Junior Kroupi pulled one back with a fine strike, but the Cherries could not find a leveller.
The result extends Arsenal’s winning streak to five league matches and takes them si x points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, though Manchester CiEli Junior Kroupity can reduce the gap when they face Chelsea on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta was able to rotate his squad effectively, with Trossard and Saka starting on the bench, while results continue to pile up as the Gunners push for their first title since 2003-04.
Despite the loss, Bournemouth showed attacking intent and had more shots than Arsenal (15-12). The 19-year-old Kroupi is emerging as a bright spot, now the top-scoring teenager in the Premier League this season with six goals. However, the Cherries have now gone 11 games without a win, their worst top-flight run this season.
Next fixtures: Arsenal host Liverpool in the league on Thursday before FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches. Bournemouth face Tottenham at home midweek, followed by a trip to Newcastle in the FA Cup.
