Arsenal’s rollercoaster against Cherries – shaky defense, but lethal attack prevailed

Although Bournemouth have been in very poor form this season, any visit to the Vitality Stadium can be difficult. It was similar for Arsenal — after conceding a goal due to a defensive mistake, the Gunners managed to fight their way back. The hosts reduced the deficit late on, but nothing more than that.

The game started at a good tempo, but without any real attempts on goal until the 8th minute, when Noni Madueke produced the first genuine effort of the match. The winger went on a strong solo run into Bournemouth’s penalty area, cut inside and fired a shot that flew over Djordje Petrovic’s crossbar.

Just two minutes later, Bournemouth took the lead. A major defensive mistake from Arsenal proved costly, as Gabriel reacted poorly and effectively gifted the ball to Evanilson. The Bournemouth forward made no mistake, calmly finishing to put the Cherries 1–0 ahead.

The hosts continued to threaten, and in the 13th minute Justin Kluivert found space around 20 meters from goal before unleashing a shot that went just wide of David Raya’s post.

Arsenal responded quickly and drew level in the 16th minute. Madueke once again caused problems down the right flank with another slaloming run, and after the ball eventually fell to Gabriel Martinelli, his effort was blocked by the defense. The rebound dropped kindly for Gabriel, who made amends for his earlier error by firing home the equalizer.

Bournemouth had another opportunity in the 31st minute when Kluivert delivered a ball into the box for Marcus Tavernier, but the midfielder failed to make clean contact and sent his effort over the bar.

As the half drew to a close, Antoine Semenyo, one of the standout signings of the transfer window, registered Bournemouth’s first clear attempt of the later stages. After a neat one-two with Evanilson in the 41st minute, Semenyo struck first time but lacked accuracy, sending the ball over the Arsenal goal.

Bournemouth were the first to threaten after the break. In the 53rd minute, the hosts launched a dangerous counter-attack by quickly taking a free kick. The ball found David Brooks in a promising position, but his shot narrowly missed the target.

Arsenal punished that missed chance almost immediately. Just seconds later, in the 54th minute, Declan Rice put the visitors ahead with a well-taken goal. Arsenal put together a flowing move, Bournemouth initially managed to disrupt it, but the ball fell to the impressive Martin Odegaard, who calmly laid it off to Rice. The midfielder finished confidently to make it 2–1.

Bournemouth tried to respond and in the 59th minute Marcus Tavernier tested David Raya with a long-range effort from around 25 meters, but the Spanish goalkeeper was well positioned and made a comfortable save.

The Gunners struck again in the 71st minute, with Rice scoring his second of the game. Arsenal produced another excellent team move, as Bukayo Saka burst down the right flank before delivering a precise cross into the penalty area. Rice timed his run perfectly and, just like with his first goal, arrived to meet the ball and finish for 3–1. Odegaard once again played a crucial role in the build-up, supplying the pass to Saka ahead of the assist.

Just when it seemed Arsenal were in full control, Bournemouth hit back to set up a tense finale. In the 76th minute, Kroupi stunned the visitors by taking advantage of the space he was afforded around 25 meters from goal. He unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat Raya.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 20

Saturday

Aston Villa - Nott.Forest 3-1 (1-0)

/Watkins 45+1, McGinn 49, 73 - Gibbs-White 61/

Brighton - Burnley 2-0 (1-0)

/Rutter 29, Ayari 47/

Wolverhampton - West Ham 3-0 (3-0)

/Arias 4, Hwang 31 pen, Mane 41/

Bournemouth - Arsenal 2-3 (1-1)

/Evanilson 10, Kroupi 76 - Gabriel 16, Rice 54, 71/

Sunday

15.30: (2.75) Leeds (3.25) Man.Utd. (2.65)

18.00: (2.40) Everton (3.30) Brentford (3.25)

18.00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Liverpool (2.00)

18.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.30)

18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.60) Sunderland (4.80)

20.30: (1.65) Man.City (4.20) Chelsea (5.60)

***odds are subject to change***