Arsenal Clinches 3-2 Victory Over Bournemouth As Declan Rice Nets Brace To Put Six-Point Gap Ahead

Arsenal opened a six-point gap at the top of the Premier League after a tense 3-2 home win over Bournemouth on Saturday. Declan Rice scored twice in the second half, turning the match after a difficult opening period. Bournemouth stayed competitive until the end, and Arsenal had to defend deep during a nervous closing spell.

Rice had missed Arsenal’s heavy midweek victory over title rivals Aston Villa, but returned to the starting line-up for this game. Arsenal were below their usual standard in possession before half-time, yet Rice proved decisive higher up the pitch. The win strengthened Arsenal’s position in the title race despite an uneven overall display.

Bournemouth started on the front foot and pressed Arsenal early, forcing errors in defence.

Their pressure brought reward after 10 minutes when Gabriel misjudged a first-time pass across the back line. Gabriel played the ball straight to Evanilson, who calmly slid a low finish beyond David Raya to give Bournemouth the lead.

The response from Arsenal was swift, with the equaliser arriving six minutes later. Noni Madueke drove down the right flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the area. After Bournemouth failed to clear properly, Gabriel stayed forward and drilled a powerful effort past Djordje Petrovic, making amends for the earlier mistake.

Bournemouth created the better chances before the break and looked confident on transitions. However, Arsenal struck nine minutes into the second half. A flowing move ended with Rice arriving in space, and Rice swept a composed finish into the corner. The goal shifted the momentum, with Arsenal finally gaining control of the contest.

Arsenal extended the lead with 19 minutes left after Bukayo Saka’s impact from the bench. Saka produced a driving run from the right and reached the byline. Saka pulled the ball back for Rice, who finished first time past Petrovic. Bournemouth responded on 76 minutes when substitute Junior Kroupi curled a superb shot into the bottom corner, but Arsenal held on.

Mikel Arteta will have welcomed Rice’s return, even though Arsenal’s midfield looked unusually loose before half-time. Rice’s contribution in attack proved crucial. The match featured Rice’s first Premier League brace, achieved in his 296th appearance in the competition. It was also Rice’s second brace for Arsenal in all competitions, following two free-kick goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Rice’s scoring record against Bournemouth continued to stand out. Rice has now scored five goals in 12 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth, more than double Rice’s tally against any other team in the competition. Underlying numbers showed how hard Arsenal had to work, with Bournemouth edging the expected goals data despite losing.

The final statistics underlined the contest’s balance. Arsenal produced 12 shots with an expected goals total of 1.17, while Bournemouth managed 15 attempts worth 1.34 xG against Raya. Arsenal were not at their most fluent, but greater efficiency in decisive moments, especially from Rice, kept the league leaders in control of the title picture.