Arsenal shrugged off a shaky start this weekend to beat Bournemouth 3-2 away, thanks to a mighty brace by midfielder Declan Rice. The win gives the Gunners a commanding six-point lead atop the Premier League table. ⚽🔥
It was Bournemouth who struck first in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a misplaced pass from defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Evanilson pounced to slot home and send the home crowd wild. But Gabriel made up for his error just six minutes later, firing in the equalizer after some chaos in the box.
Rice, back after missing the Aston Villa match with injury, showed no rust. In the 54th minute, he danced past defender Philip Billing and beat goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to make it 2-1 — his first goal since November 1. Arteta then brought on Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, injecting fresh legs into the matchup.
That move paid off. In the 71st minute, Saka set up Rice, who smashed home his second of the day to push Arsenal ahead 3-1. Bournemouth fought back five minutes later when substitute Junior Kroupi drilled a shot past David Raya, but the Gunners held firm to claim their fifth straight win.
With this victory, Arsenal opens up a six-point gap over Aston Villa at the top, sending a clear message to their title rivals. Can Mikel Arteta’s side maintain their form as the season heats up? 🙌
Reference(s):
Rice scores twice as Arsenal beat Bournemouth to go six points clear
cgtn.com
