Arsenal’s grip on second place in the Premier League was shaken on Saturday after a dramatic 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, who came from behind to snatch all three points in a tense encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners looked in control when Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finishing confidently after latching onto a slick pass from Martin Ødegaard.
The goal rewarded Arsenal’s early dominance, with Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka both coming close to extending the lead before the break.
However, the match took a sharp turn in the second half as Bournemouth, initially on the back foot, found renewed purpose.
The visitors levelled in the 67th minute through Dean Huijsen, whose powerful header from a long throw-in left goalkeeper David Raya with no chance.
The shock was compounded just eight minutes later. Evanilson, a persistent threat throughout the match, capitalised on a loose ball following a corner and fired past Raya from close range to give Bournemouth a stunning 2-1 lead.
The goal was briefly in doubt as referee Jarred Gillett initiated a VAR review for a possible handball. Tension gripped the stadium during the lengthy check, but relief erupted in the Bournemouth camp when the decision to allow the goal stood.
Despite Arsenal’s late pressure, the Cherries held on to seal a famous victory—one that not only boosts their survival hopes but also delivers a potentially decisive blow to Arsenal’s title chase.
With the result, the Gunners now face renewed pressure from teams below them in the table, and Mikel Arteta’s side will be left to rue missed chances and a lapse in defensive concentration.
