A brace from Declan Rice and a first-half strike from Gabriel Magalhaes gave Arsenal a valuable 3-2 win against Bournemouth, with Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi getting their names on the scoresheet for the Cherries.
It was a fantastic game of football at the Vitality Stadium as Arsenal went six points clear at the top of the table after Manchester City were held by Sunderland yesterday.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, produced a spirited showing. However, their winless run continued to 11 games as they find themselves 15th in the Premier League standings.
As Mikel Arteta's side took another giant step towards getting their hands on the title. Here are some talking points from the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes endured a torrid moment in the opening exchanges of the game as he made an uncharacteristically sloppy pass that led to the opening goal of the game.
The Brazilian defender tried to evade the Bournemouth press with a line-breaking pass but ended up serving the ball on a platter for Evanilson. Who took the opportunity with both arms to break the deadlock from close range.
However, less than six minutes later, Gabriel made amends for his earlier error as he restored parity for Arsenal. He scored a thumping goal from inside the box after a brilliant bit of play from Noni Madueke.
After his early error, Gabriel showed his class as the game went on. Arsenal got another important win in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Over the course of the 2025-26 campaign, Antoine Semenyo has been stationed on the left flank, with one of David Brooks or Amin Adil playing on the right.
However, for the visit of Arsenal, Semenyo was deployed on the right flank - presumably to take on Piero Hincapie over the reliable Jurrien Timber. Meanwhile, Brooks played on the left side.
It didn't really pay dividends as Arsenal ultimately had too much in their locker for a Bournemouth side struggling for form and confidence.
However, it was interesting to see Andoni Iraola change his plan for the visit of the league leaders. As the Cherries played with a lot of freedom and didn't look like a team that had been winless in ten outings.
Declan Rice was substituted in the 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion and missed the statement 4-1 success against Aston Villa. The English midfielder would have been thankful that the Gunners beat tough opposition without him. Declan Rice returned to the starting XI for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.
Replacing Mikel Merino in the team, the Englishman ran the show from the centre of the park alongside Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners came from behind to secure all three points against a spirited Bournemouth side.
Rice got his third goal of the season with a fantastic effort from just outside the penalty area after being teed up by Odegaard. Capping off his return to the team with a telling contribution.
He has at it again in the 72nd minute as he slotted the ball home to complete his brace after being set up by Bukayo Saka. Who picked up an assist moments after coming on to the pitch.
The 26-year-old is undoubtedly Arsenal's on-field leader. He is proving why he is one of their most important signings in recent history.
Starting in attack, either side of Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres didn't really set the world alight with his performance. Once again failing to score.
The Swedish striker has just five Premier League goals to his name since securing a big-money move from Sporting CP in the summer. Failing to make an impression against a side that is struggling for form and consistency.
Gyokeres left a lot to be desired with his sloppy first touches. He failed to really get involved in the game that much. Having just 21 touches of the ball before being substituted for Gabriel Jesus.
With Kai Havertz and Jesus back in the picture and Mikel Merino also capable of playing up front. It wouldn't be surprising to see Gyokeres lose his place in the XI in the coming weeks.
In the summer of 2025, Bournemouth lost a handful of key players. The likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Milos Kerkez, Iliya Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen all moving on to greener pastures.
It looks like something similar could be in the offing in 2026. Antoine Semenyo close to a move to Manchester City.
And if some of the biggest teams across Europe are watching Bournemouth, Marcos Senesi and Eli Junior Kroupi will undoubtedly draw their attention.
Senesi, in particular, looks set to leave the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season. His current deal is set to expire in July. His line-breaking passes were a joy to watch. While the fact that he is a left-footed central defender in his prime surely adds to his value.
And while Kroupi Jr only joined the club last summer, his tally of six Premier League goals as a teenager is a fantastic return. He came on as a substitute and scored a fantastic goal to get his side back in the game.
