Arsenal’s Premier League campaign took a dramatic turn for the worse as Bournemouth sealed a shock 2-1 win at the Emirates, completing a first-ever league double over the Gunners and dealing a major blow to the hosts’ top-two hopes.
Declan Rice marked his 100th appearance with a well-taken opener, rounding Kepa to finish coolly after a slick Ødegaard assist, but the Cherries flipped the script after the break.
Antoine Semenyo’s long throw found Dean Huijsen for a glancing equaliser before Evanilson bundled in a controversial winner from a corner, with VAR clearing the goal despite suspicions of handball.
Mikel Arteta’s side, perhaps distracted by their looming Champions League semi-final with PSG, lacked urgency in the second half and were punished by a Bournemouth side chasing European qualification.
The defeat not only ends Arsenal’s unbeaten home run but leaves them vulnerable in the race for second place, with Manchester City and Liverpool still breathing down their necks.
