ARSENAL 1-2 BOURNEMOUTH: Alex Scott’s brilliantly-taken goal extends Arsenal’s wobble as they stumble upon return to Premier League action after the international break
Arsenal’s pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years took a twist after Bournemouth claimed victory at a nervy Emirates Stadium. The Gunners began the day knowing a win would send them 12 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table but could not get the job done.
After an edgy start, Arsenal found themselves behind when Adrien Truffert’s cross was deflected into the path of Junior Kroupi at the back post. Kai Havert headed a corner over before the Gunners were handed a route back into the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes smashed the ball into Ryan Christie’s hand, which was up, and Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. Viktor Gyokeres hammered the penalty into the corner to bring Arsenal level with their first shot on target.
The second half was a frustrating watch, with Mikel Arteta’s triple substitution not paying off before Alex Scott’s perfectly-timed run and finish put Bournemouth ahead once again. The Cherries arrived in north London unbeaten in 11 games and showed why, defending their goal with determination to clinch their second successive win at the Emirates and send shockwaves through the league in the first match after a three-week break.
Here are the talking points from a potentially momentous day in the Premier League title race.
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1. Nervy start for Arsenal
On Friday, an email landed in the inbox of Arsenal season ticket holders. “As we know lunch time kick offs can sometimes be a bit low key in terms of noise generated in the stadium,” it read. “I am sure you will all agree this is not an option for Saturday. Mikel has specially requested that as many people as possible are in the bowl before kick off and to make as much noise as possible, before, during and after the game!”
A tifo dedicated to Arteta was on display inside the Emirates Stadium, but despite the manager’s plea things did not go to plan, with Arsenal not fulfilling their end of the bargain. The Gunners boss was left furious after Truffert was left all alone on the overlap and his low cross cannoned off William Saliba to find an unmarked Kroupi at the back post.
2. Happy for a handball
Arsenal had barely mustered any pressure on the Bournemouth goal until Gabriel’s shot smashed into the outstretched arm of Christie. Referee Oliver didn’t hesitate and pointed to the spot. His decision was quickly backed up by the VAR. “The referee’s call of penalty for handball was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Christie’s arm was raised away from his body,” the Premier League match centre confirmed.
“It looked like Christie’s hand was up,” explained ex-Premier League midfielder Andy Reid on BBC Radio 5 Live. “The only mitigating circumstance was that he was quite close to the ball, but his hand was up, so I don’t think this will get overturned.” It didn’t and Gyokeres dispatched it confidently to level things for under-par Arsenal.
3. Arteta plays his hand and gets nothing
In the 54th minute, Arteta made his move, bringing off Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli for Max Dowman, Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze. But there wasn’t an instant reaction. Mummering continued from the nervous home crowd as Arsenal failed to build momentum and break down Bournemouth.
Gyokeres slotting away a goal while a few yards offside briefly broke the tension, but despite all the endeavour, Bournemouth remained comfortable, with Declan Rice’s long-range effort the closest the Gunners came before the sucker punch arrived.
4. Scott puts the cat amongst the pigeons
The game was going nowhere until suddenly it wasn’t. Bournemouth played the ball forwards, Evanilson – who had been silent up until then – fended off his defender and flicked the ball into the path of Scott, who raced into the gap and coolly slotted the ball past David Raya into the corner.
It was a beautifully-worked move from the away side – and one which completely let the air out of the Emirates Stadium. Bournemouth had cut Arsenal open with complete precision and taken their chance.
5. City licking their lips
Arsenal are still in pole position. They remain nine points clear of Manchester City. But Pep Guardiola’s side now have two games in hand on their rivals and have been given a huge boost in their efforts to chase the Gunners down.
The 1-0 win over Sporting in mid-week was huge for Arsenal, following the Carabao Cup final defeat by City and the FA Cup quarter-final loss at Southampton. But the nerves and the inconsistency were back against Bournemouth.
City play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. And if they win, so much will rest on next weekend’s clash between Arsenal and City at the Eithad Stadium.
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