Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at home by Bournemouth, missing the chance to move 12 points clear at the top of the table before Manchester City face Chelsea on Sunday.
Bournemouth struck first, looking composed early on, as Junior Kroupi finished from close range after Adrien Truffert’s deflected cross created the opening. Arsenal responded with urgency and equalised through Viktor Gyokeres, who converted a penalty after Ryan Christie handled the ball while attempting a block.
Despite growing pressure from the hosts and attacking substitutions by manager Mikel Arteta, including Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and youngster Max Dowman, it was Bournemouth who found the decisive moment. Alex Scott latched onto Evanilson’s flick at the edge of the box and fired past David Raya to secure victory.
The result extends Bournemouth’s unbeaten league run to 12 matches, while Arsenal remain top but have played two more games than second-placed Manchester City. Arteta’s side now face a crucial trip to Manchester next weekend, where the title race could take a decisive turn.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
