Arsenal's Declan Rice scored twice as the Premier League leaders came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-3. The Gunners' center-back Gabriel played a blind pass across his box, gifting Evanilson the opening goal for the Cherries. However, Gabriel made up for his mistake by scoring the equalizer, lashing in a rebound after Gabriel Martinelli's shot was blocked. Bournemouth had chances to take the lead, but Rice's shot from the edge of the box, assisted by Martin Odegaard, gave Arsenal the lead. The England midfielder, returning from a knee injury, scored again after a cutback by substitute Bukayo Saka. Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth renewed hope with a fine strike from outside the area, but they couldn't find an equalizer. Antoine Semenyo, who may be on his way to Manchester City, was quiet throughout. The victory puts Arsenal six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, although Manchester City can close the gap back to four points when they host managerless Chelsea on Sunday (17:30 GMT).
Arsenal analysis: Another good day at the office for the Gunners. Arteta's side entered the second half of the Premier League campaign the way they ended the first, with a victory. This was their fifth win in a row in the league. The Spaniard will be happy that he was able to do so while rotating players, with regular starters Leandro Trossard and Saka starting on the bench. At this stage, results, and not dominant performances, are what count as Arsenal try to win their first title since 2003-04, and they are getting the results. Arsenal were not at their best in the first half, with Gabriel committing his first error leading to a goal in the league since February 2023 when he inadvertently picked out fellow Brazilian Evanilson, who scored the Bournemouth opener. But Gabriel made up for his mistake with the equalizer, with good work from Noni Madueke in the build-up.
Bournemouth analysis: Entertainers again but no win - again. Bournemouth's slide down the table continues. This is now 11 games without a win, their worst run in a top-flight season. They sit 15th, although nine points above the relegation zone, having failed to win a game since October. But this has not been a run without creditable results and performances. In December, they drew with Chelsea and had a remarkable 4-4 match at Manchester United. Bournemouth had more shots than Arsenal here (15 to 12) and had the better chances in the first half. They are only the third team to score more than once against the Gunners in a game this season. But nonetheless, this is another defeat. Their frustrations boiled over when Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle while they were on the attack and thought they still had time to equalize. Semenyo may be on his way to City soon, although boss Andoni Iraola hopes he will play against Tottenham on Wednesday. Either way, in Kroupi, they have a real talent. The 19-year-old Frenchman is now the top-scoring teenager in the Premier League this season with six goals, averaging one every 85 minutes. What's next for these teams?
