Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League title race on Saturday after grinding out a dramatic 3–2 comeback win away at Bournemouth, stretching their lead at the summit to six points.
Declan Rice, nursing a knee issue that had ruled him out in midweek, delivered a decisive double as Mikel Arteta’s side recovered from an early setback to take another major step towards ending a 22-year title drought.
The result extended Bournemouth’s winless run to 11 matches, even as they once again showed flashes of attacking threat that belie their position.
Arsenal’s afternoon began shakily when a rare defensive lapse gifted Bournemouth the opening goal inside 10 minutes.
Gabriel Magalhaes miscued a cross-field pass intended for Jurrien Timber, rolling the ball straight into the path of Evanilson, who calmly slotted past David Raya for his first home goal of the season.
The Vitality Stadium briefly crackled with belief, offering Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City a flicker of hope in the title chase.
Gabriel Responds With Redemption
Gabriel wasted little time making amends.
The Brazilian centre-back, starting again after returning from injury, rose to the occasion just six minutes later, pouncing on a deflected Noni Madueke cross to hammer home the equaliser.
It was a reminder of his growing threat in the opposition box, taking his Premier League tally to 20 goals since joining Arsenal in 2020, more than any other defender in that period
Action-packed 💥
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 3, 2026
Highlights from our 3-2 win over Bournemouth are now available, Gooners 🍿 pic.twitter.com/YLBdd9hOLI
The goal steadied Arsenal’s nerves and reasserted their control on the contest.
All eyes were on Declan Rice after doubts over his fitness had kept him out of Tuesday’s 4–1 demolition of Aston Villa.
The England international not only returned to the starting line-up but delivered a commanding display that underlined his importance in Arteta’s evolving system.
Just after the hour mark, Rice timed his run perfectly to meet Martin Ødegaard’s incisive pass, guiding a composed finish from the edge of the box to put Arsenal ahead.
It was the kind of calm execution that has become a hallmark of his more advanced role this season.
Saka Influence Seals Arsenal’s Advantage
Bukayo Saka’s introduction from the bench added fresh menace to Arsenal’s attack.
The winger played a pivotal role in the third goal, cutting back intelligently for Rice, who swept home his second of the afternoon to double the visitors’ advantage.
Rice’s brace doubled his league goal tally for the campaign, reinforcing his transformation into a reliable source of crucial goals.
At 3–1, Arsenal appeared firmly in control.
Bournemouth refused to fade quietly.
A stunning long-range strike from Eli Kroupi reignited the contest, setting up a tense final stretch and briefly unsettling the league leaders.
Despite the pressure, Arsenal managed the closing minutes with maturity, limiting clear chances and seeing out the match without panic.
The victory moved Arteta’s side seven points clear of Manchester City, who host a managerless Chelsea in their game in hand on Sunday.
Title Dream Moves Closer
For Bournemouth, the frustration deepens, though their attacking numbers suggest better days could still come.
Only five Premier League sides have scored more goals this season than Andoni Iraola’s team, yet results continue to elude them.
Running the show 🪄 Declan Rice is your Player of the Match 💪
For Arsenal, the momentum is unmistakable.
Resilience after setbacks, decisive contributions from key players, and growing composure under pressure are beginning to define their title charge.
With each hard-fought win, belief spreads that this could finally be the season the long wait ends.
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