With a 3-2 come-from-behind victory at Bournemouth, Declan Rice, despite suffering a knee injury, helped Arsenal increase their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.
According to AFP, Gabriel Magalhaes swiftly made amends to draw the Cherries level after an unusual mistake gave the Cherries an early lead through Evanilson.
After sitting out Tuesday’s 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa owing a swollen knee, Rice’s inclusion in the match had been in question.
After missing the first two games with an injury, the England international got back into the starting lineup and scored twice in as many games to bring his season total to two goals.
Bournemouth had a glimmer of hope thanks to a wonderful goal from Eli Kroupi, but Arsenal cruised to a comfortable victory in the final stages, extending their lead to seven points. Manchester City, who are without a manager, play managerless Chelsea in their match today.
When Arsenal gave up a goal in the first minute, Pep Guardiola’s team had a chance to take the lead.
After Gabriel missed Jurrien Timber with a cross-field pass, his fellow countryman Evanilson took advantage and scored his first goal of the season on home turf, beating David Raya.
Against Villa in midweek, Arsenal’s towering center back scored on his first start in nearly two months and then equalized within six minutes, demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess once again.
Gabriel has scored 20 goals in the Premier League since joining the Gunners in 2020, seven more than any other defender. He made a diving header from a deflected cross by Noni Madueke.
After being given more responsibility this season, Rice has also been a reliable provider of crucial goals.
Martin Odegaard had a pinpoint pass for him to tap in from the outskirts of the box, giving the away team the lead on 56 minutes.
After coming off the bench, Bukayo Saka set up Arsenal’s third goal when Rice finished off a cutback.
Since October 26, a span of eleven games, Bournemouth has failed to secure a victory.
Unfortunately, Andoni Iraola’s squad is fifth in the Premier League in terms of goal scoring so far this season.
Spectacular long-range goal scoring by Kropi set the stage for an anxious climax.
However, Mikel Arteta’s squad remained resolute, taking a major step closer to finally winning the Premier League after 22 years of waiting.
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