Declan Rice Takes Charge as Arsenal Win 3-2 at Bournemouth

Declan Rice fires Arsenal six points clear at the top as the Gunners show resilience to beat Bournemouth 3-2 away from home.

Declan Rice fires Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side recovered from an early setback to win their seventh league game in a row, emphatically proving their title credentials.

This was a test Arsenal failed last season. This time, they passed it.

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Arsenal could not have started worse. Inside nine minutes, Gabriel Magalhães played a loose pass across his own box, allowing Evanilson to tap into an empty net.

The goal rocked the Gunners, and Bournemouth fed off the energy. Justin Kluivert threatened from set pieces, Marcus Tavernier arrived late into the box, and Antoine Semenyo caused constant problems down the flank.

For large parts of the first half, Arsenal lacked rhythm and control.

Gabriel Responds as Arsenal Regain Composure

Crucially, Arsenal responded. Just six minutes after his error, Gabriel made amends. Noni Madueke drove into space before finding Gabriel Martinelli, whose shot was parried straight into Gabriel’s path.

The defender smashed home the equaliser and immediately lifted the away end.

The goal settled Arsenal, but Bournemouth continued to compete aggressively, forcing Arteta into tactical tweaks at the break.

Arsenal emerged sharper, braver, and more assertive in midfield. In the 53rd minute, Viktor Gyökeres held the ball up before Martin Ødegaard slipped Rice into space. The midfielder strode forward and drilled a low finish from distance into the corner.

Seventeen minutes later, Ødegaard again pulled the strings. Bukayo Saka beat his man down the right and squared for Rice, who arrived perfectly to tap in his second.

Bournemouth refused to fold. Substitute Junior Kroupi curled a superb long-range effort past David Raya to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish.

The hosts piled on pressure late on, and controversy followed when referee Chris Kavanagh blew for full-time just as Bournemouth prepared a dangerous cross from a long throw.

Despite the noise, Arsenal stood firm and closed the game out with maturity.

Rice Return Sends Statement to Rivals

Declan Rice had missed the previous match with a swollen knee. His return could not have been louder.

Two goals, total midfield control, and leadership when Arsenal needed it most — this was a captain’s performance in all but name.

Martin Ødegaard also deserves huge credit for dictating the second half, while Saka’s impact off the bench tilted the game decisively.

Declan Rice fires Arsenal six points clear of Manchester City, who still have ground to make up. More importantly, this win showcased resilience, depth, and belief — traits title winners need.

Arsenal struggled early. They adapted. They dominated when it mattered.

That is not luck. That is growth.

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