Declan Rice scored twice on his return from injury as Arsenal overcame a defensive error to beat Bournemouth 3-2 and move six points clear at the top of the table.
Declan Rice returned from a knee injury to inspire Arsenal to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Gunners suffered a nightmare start when Gabriel Magalhães gifted Evanilson an early opener with a stray pass.
However, Gabriel quickly redeemed himself by firing home an equalizer following a mazy run by Noni Madueke. The win moves Mikel Arteta’s side six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The second half belonged to Rice, whose inclusion in the starting lineup was a late decision by Arteta.
The England midfielder first put Arsenal ahead with a precise curl into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. He then added a crucial second, slotting home a cross from substitute Bukayo Saka.
Despite appearing not fully fit, Rice’s clinical finishing proved decisive in a match where Arsenal were tested by Bournemouth’s physical approach.
A late strike from Bournemouth substitute Junior Kroupi set up a tense finale, but the visitors held on to claim three vital points.
The Cherries, who are now winless in eleven league games, remained competitive throughout, with David Brooks and Evanilson causing constant problems.
Ultimately, the quality of Rice and the resilience of the league leaders ensured they capitalized on their rivals’ absence from play to tighten their grip on the title race.