Declan Rice brace leads Arsenal to narrow victory over Bournemouth

The visitors conceded first after a costly error from centre-back Gabriel, who attempted a blind pass across his own penalty area. The loose ball was seized upon by Evanilson, who finished confidently to give Bournemouth the lead and spark belief among the home side.

Bournemouth pressed for a second goal and created further chances, threatening to capitalise on Arsenal's shaky start.

Gabriel made amends before the break, reacting quickest after Gabriel Martinelli's effort was blocked and driving home the rebound to level the score. The equaliser steadied Arsenal and shifted the momentum, with the league leaders beginning to dictate possession and territory.

Declan Rice, recently returned from a knee injury, then produced a decisive contribution. He fired Arsenal into the lead with a powerful shot from the edge of the box following a measured lay-off from Martin Odegaard.

Bournemouth briefly reignited the contest when teenage substitute Eli Junior Kroupi struck from outside the penalty area, a superb effort that gave the hosts renewed hope.

That optimism was short-lived. Rice struck again to restore Arsenal's two-goal cushion, finishing from close range after a cutback from substitute Bukayo Saka. Bournemouth pushed forward in search of another response but were unable to find an equaliser.

Antoine Semenyo featured for the hosts but was largely quiet throughout the match, in what could be his final appearance for the club amid reported interest from Manchester City, who are said to be considering a 65-million-pound move.

The victory takes Arsenal six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa. Manchester City can reduce the gap to four points when they host managerless Chelsea on Sunday. 

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