Arsenal’s hopes of finishing second in the Premier League suffered a major blow after a surprising 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, who celebrated their first-ever league double over the Gunners.
With eyes possibly drifting toward their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta’s side could ill afford any slip-ups, especially with a top-five finish still on the line. Declan Rice, making his 100th appearance for the club, had the first real opportunity for Arsenal, firing wide after neat interplay between Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. He had another sight of goal soon after, again shooting wide from a Martinelli assist, as the home side began to build momentum.
However, the best early chance fell to Bournemouth when Evanilson headed over from close range following a pinpoint cross by Milos Kerkez. Martinelli remained a constant threat down the left, setting up Leandro Trossard for a well-directed header that was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal’s breakthrough came courtesy of Rice, who latched onto Ødegaard’s incisive pass, rounded Kepa, and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net. Still, Arsenal’s defensive frailties were evident, as Evanilson nearly capitalised on a misjudged run by David Raya, firing just over from distance.
After the break, Arsenal pushed for a second, with Bukayo Saka increasingly influential. He was found by Myles Lewis-Skelly and cut inside dangerously, but dragged his shot just wide of the far post. Despite their dominance, the Gunners were undone in the 67th minute by a moment of simplicity. Substitute Antoine Semenyo launched a long throw into the box, which Dean Huijsen met with a superb glancing header to level the score.
Bournemouth weren’t finished. Marcus Tavernier flicked on a corner from Alex Scott, and Evanilson finished at the back post with an awkward touch that went in off what appeared to be his arm. After a lengthy VAR review for possible handball and offside, the goal stood, despite replays showing the ball may have brushed the striker’s arm.
The Cherries held firm to claim their first-ever win at the Emirates and climbed to eighth in the table, bolstering their hopes of qualifying for European competition for the first time. For Arsenal, the result marked back-to-back home defeats in all competitions for the first time in 16 months, leaving them anxiously glancing over their shoulder in the race for the top five.
