The league leaders' revenge tour this week marched on. After thrashing Aston Villa, it was Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth to feel the force despite receiving an opening goal courtesy of a rare Gabriel Magalhães mistake.
Gabriel atoned by scoring to level, prior to Declan Rice celebrated his comeback by netting a decisive brace as Mikel Arteta's side extended the gap at the summit to six points.
Mikel Arteta had vowed his squad had learned following last season's disappointing defeat. After a sloppy first-half, the signs suggested old habits remained unlearned. Yet, a much sharper performance after the interval, fueled by Rice's marauding presence, secured another league triumph propelling a stern warning to their rivals.
Shaky Start Met With Quick Reply
The day's results meant Arsenal's cushion trimmed to three points. The positive news, though, arrived with their key midfielder passing a last-minute assessment. With an eye on a crucial meeting with Liverpool, Arteta rotated, with star wingers and Leandro Trossard among the substitutes.
Bournemouth, sticking with the same team, saw Antoine Semenyo nearly make a dream start immediately. Against the run of play, the first goal went to Bournemouth after a wayward Gabriel pass fell kindly for Evanilson, who finished calmly.
Mikel Arteta's ire clear, however it was the culprit who provided the response. After good play from Noni Madueke, a scramble ensued to Gabriel, who lashed home with his weaker foot to make it 1-1.
Midfielder Takes Over to Seize Control
The opening half was a struggle for Arsenal, with their center-forward isolated while Evanilson causing problems. Tempers flared at halftime, with the Arsenal bench exchanging words with their counterparts before departing down the tunnel.
Whatever was said at halftime worked wonders. Almost instantly after the break, neat interplay through the midfield set up Declan Rice, whose powerful drive beat the goalkeeper to put Arsenal ahead.
The England star wasn't finished, grabbing his brace soon after following exquisite combination play involving Bukayo Saka and Ødegaard. He marked the goal affectionately for the cameras, as Arsenal seemed to be cruising.
A Tense Finish But Job Done
The home side, to their credit, found a response. Replacement Kroupi unleashed an outstanding long-range effort that flew into the net creating a nervous ending.
Bournemouth pressed for an equalizer in the dying moments, with their fans furious when full-time sounded during one last attack. However, for the victorious team, it was all that mattered: three more crucial points in a their championship challenge.
