Goals
1–0 — Evanilson, 10th minute, Bournemouth
1–1 — Gabriel Magalhães, 16th minute, Arsenal
1–2 — Declan Rice, 54th minute, Arsenal
1–3 — Declan Rice, 71st minute, Arsenal
2–3 — Eli Junior Kroupi, 76th minute, Bournemouth
Match Overview
Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Bournemouth, recovering from an early setback to claim all three points on the south coast. The match delivered high intensity, defensive lapses, and decisive moments from midfield, as the visitors once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.
Bournemouth began with confidence and were rewarded early, but Arsenal’s composure and quality eventually proved decisive in a contest that remained alive until the final whistle.
First Half: Early Shock and Quick Response
The hosts stunned the league leaders in the 10th minute when Evanilson capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score into an unprotected goal. The early breakthrough lifted Bournemouth and exposed rare hesitation at the back from Arsenal.
However, the response was immediate. From a set-piece situation, Gabriel Magalhães reacted fastest inside the penalty area, restoring parity in the 16th minute and shifting momentum back towards the visitors. Arsenal dominated possession for the remainder of the half but went into the interval level.
Second Half: Rice Takes Control
After the restart, Arsenal increased the tempo and began to find space between the lines. The turning point arrived in the 54th minute, when Declan Rice surged forward and finished calmly to put Arsenal ahead.
Rice struck again in the 71st minute, this time with authority, completing a brace that appeared to put the contest beyond Bournemouth. His performance in midfield combined discipline, leadership, and decisive attacking contribution.
Late Pressure and Final Whistle Drama
Bournemouth refused to fade quietly. Substitute Eli Junior Kroupi reduced the deficit in the 76th minute with a powerful strike, setting up a tense finale. The home side pushed forward, testing Arsenal’s defensive resilience and creating nervous moments deep into stoppage time.
Despite the late pressure and visible frustration from the Bournemouth bench at the final whistle, Arsenal held firm to secure a vital win.
Conclusion
This victory underlined Arsenal’s growing maturity and title credentials. Overcoming an early mistake and surviving a late surge, the Gunners once again showed they can win in difficult circumstances. For Bournemouth, the performance offered positives, but the result extended a frustrating run where strong spells failed to yield points.
