EPL: Rice brace powers Arsenal to 3-2 comeback win over Bournemouth
Declan Rice scored twice as Premier League leaders Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth, extending their lead at the top of the table.
Gunners centre-back Gabriel played a blind pass across his box to gift Evanilson the opening goal for the Cherries. But he made amends by scoring the equaliser, lashing in a rebound after Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was blocked.
Bournemouth strike first, Arsenal respond
Bournemouth threatened to regain the lead, but Rice’s strike from the edge of the area, following a Martin Ødegaard lay-off, put Arsenal in front.
The England midfielder, returning from a knee injury, then struck again after converting a cutback from substitute Bukayo Saka.
Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi briefly reignited Bournemouth’s hopes with a superb long-range effort, but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser.
Arteta rotation pays off
The victory moves Mikel Arteta’s side six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, with Manchester City able to reduce the gap when they host Chelsea.
Arsenal have now won five consecutive league games, entering the second half of the season with momentum.
Arteta rotated his squad, leaving regular starters Leandro Trossard and Saka on the bench, and prioritised results over fluency as Arsenal continue their push for a first league title since 2003/04.
Errors, recovery, and control
Arsenal were far from their best in the opening period, with Gabriel committing his first error leading to a league goal since February 2023. However, his equaliser and improved second-half control stabilised the contest.
Rice’s second goal, his first Premier League brace in 296 appearances, followed shortly after Saka’s introduction as part of a triple substitution.
Bournemouth struggles continue
Bournemouth’s downturn deepened to 11 games without a win, their worst run in a top-flight season.
They remain 15th, nine points above the relegation zone, despite producing competitive performances and outshooting Arsenal 14–11.
Frustration was evident at full-time as the final whistle was blown with Bournemouth attacking.
While Antoine Semenyo was subdued amid speculation of a move to Manchester City, teenager Kroupi continues to impress, now the league’s top-scoring teenager with six goals this season.
