Arsenal’s Premier League form took a major hit on Saturday as Bournemouth produced a stunning second-half comeback to win 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners looked in control when Declan Rice broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, finishing off a delicate through ball from Martin Odegaard.
The home side dominated possession throughout the first half, and visiting striker Evanilson squandered two clear chances before the break.
But Mikel Arteta’s men crumbled under pressure in the second period, mirroring their recent draw with Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth came out rejuvenated after the interval, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Dean Huijsen powered in a header from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw-in.
Just eight minutes later, Evanilson redeemed his earlier misses by poking home the winner after Marcus Tavernier flicked on Alex Scott’s corner.
A lengthy VAR check followed, reviewing a potential handball, but the goal stood—sending the away end into raptures and Arsenal fans into stunned silence.
The defeat leaves Arsenal just three points ahead of Manchester City, who now have a game in hand as the title race intensifies. Bournemouth’s unlikely victory boosts their European hopes as they climb to eighth in the table, leapfrogging Fulham.
Arteta now faces the difficult task of rallying his squad for their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG on Wednesday, with the momentum slipping from Arsenal’s grasp at a critical stage of the season.
Final Score: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth
Scorers: Rice (34′); Huijsen (67′), Evanilson (75′)
