January 03, (THEWILL) — Arsenal extended their advantage at the English Premier League summit to six points following a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. Declan Rice returned from his midweek absence to score twice in a tense encounter that saw the Gunners hold firm through a difficult closing period.
The match began poorly for the hosts when Gabriel’s misplaced pass across the defensive line in the 10th minute allowed Evanilson to open the scoring for the visitors. The Brazilian defender made amends six minutes later, converting powerfully after Noni Madueke’s work on the right flank brought Arsenal level during what proved to be an open first half.
Rice broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second period, finishing cleanly to put Arsenal in front for the first time. The England midfielder doubled his tally with 19 minutes remaining, collecting a pass from substitute Bukayo Saka following the winger’s direct run and cross before beating goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Bournemouth substitute, Junior Kroupi, reduced the deficit in the 76th minute with a fine strike into the bottom corner, setting up a tense finale. Despite the late pressure from the Cherries, who had created several opportunities throughout the match, Arsenal held on to claim all three points.
The result follows Arsenal’s convincing win over Aston Villa earlier in the week and maintains their momentum in the title race. Rice’s brace proved decisive in what was a hard-fought contest against a Bournemouth side that performed creditably at both ends of the pitch.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
