Declan Rice Inspires The Gunners to Dramatic Come-from-Behind Win at Vitality Stadium
The league leaders' revenge tour in recent days marched on. Following thrashing Aston Villa, it was Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth to feel the force even after receiving an early lead courtesy of a rare Gabriel mistake.
Gabriel made amends with a goal the equalizer, prior to the returning midfielder celebrated a return from injury with a match-winning double to help Arsenal stretched the gap at the summit in the title race.
The Arsenal manager had vowed his squad would learn following previous loss on this ground. Following a sloppy first-half, it appeared old habits were lingering. However, a transformed display in the second period, inspired by the midfielder's dominance, earned another league triumph propelling a stern warning to their rivals.
Shaky Start and Immediate Response
Earlier results had seen Arsenal's cushion cut before kick-off. The positive news, however, arrived with Declan Rice passing a late fitness test. Perhaps mindful of a crucial clash against rivals, Arteta rotated, as star wingers and Trossard starting on the bench.
Bournemouth, unchanged, saw their forward nearly make an instant impact immediately. Against the run of play, the opener went to Bournemouth when a wayward attempted ball fell kindly to the striker, slotting home with ease.
Mikel Arteta's ire clear, but his mood changed with the very same defender who provided redemption. After good play from Noni Madueke, a scramble ensued for the center-back, who lashed home with his weaker foot to make it 1-1.
Midfielder Takes Over and Steer the Game
The opening half remained a struggle for the visitors, with striker Viktor Gyökeres finding it tough and Evanilson causing problems. Tempers flared before the break, as Arteta exchanging words against the opposition before departing to the dressing room.
Whatever was said during the interval worked wonders. Almost instantly after the break, a slick move involving Gyökeres and Martin Ødegaard set up Declan Rice, who made no mistake beat Djordje Petrovic to put Arsenal ahead.
Rice had more to offer, adding a second soon after after exquisite combination play involving Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. He marked the goal affectionately to a pitchside camera, as Arsenal appearing in complete control.
A Tense Finish But Job Done
The home side, to their credit, found a late rally. Replacement Eli Junior Kroupi struck a spectacular long-range effort which soared past David Raya to set up a frantic finale.
Bournemouth pressed for an equalizer until the very end, leaving their fans incensed when the final whistle sounded during one last attack. For Arsenal and the victorious team, it was the only thing that counted: three more crucial points towards relentless title pursuit.