Declan Rice scores twice as Arsenal come from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-2, moving six points clear at the top of the Premier League
DECLAN Rice shrugged off a knee injury to extend Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League to six points with a come-from-behind 3-2 win at Bournemouth.
A rare Gabriel Magalhaes error gifted the Cherries an early opener through Evanilson, but the Brazilian quickly redeemed himself to level.
Rice had been a doubt after missing Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa due to knee swelling.
The England international returned to the starting line-up and doubled his tally for the season with two composed finishes either side of the hour mark.
Eli Kroupi’s fine strike gave Bournemouth hope, but Arsenal comfortably saw out the closing stages to move seven points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
There had been a glimmer of hope for Pep Guardiola’s men when Arsenal conceded after just 10 minutes.
Gabriel mishit his attempted cross-field pass towards Jurrien Timber and presented the ball to his compatriot Evanilson, who slotted past David Raya.
Arsenal’s towering centre-back showed his eye for goal once more to equalise within six minutes.
Gabriel pounced to slam home Noni Madueke’s deflected cross for his 20th Premier League goal since joining the Gunners in 2020.
Rice has also turned into a useful source of important goals since being pushed into a more advanced role this season.
He was perfectly picked out by Martin Odegaard to slot in from the edge of the box to put the visitors in front on 56 minutes.
Bukayo Saka came off the bench to create Arsenal’s third as Rice swept home his cut-back.
Bournemouth remain without a win stretching back 11 games to October 26.
A stunning strike by Kroupi from long range set up a nervy finale.
But Mikel Arteta’s men held firm to take another big step towards ending their 22-year wait to lift the Premier League title.
