Rice Brace Fires Arsenal To Gritty Comeback Win At Bournemouth
Declan Rice delivered a captain’s performance as Arsenal survived a stern Bournemouth test to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Vitality Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal opened 2026 in style with a hard fought 3-2 Premier League win away to Bournemouth, overcoming defensive lapses and late pressure to secure three priceless points on the south coast.
The evening began badly for the league leaders when Gabriel gifted Bournemouth an early opener in the 10th minute. A careless pass across his own box fell straight to Evanilson, who calmly slotted past David Raya to put the hosts ahead and ignite the Vitality Stadium.
To his credit, Gabriel responded in the best possible way. Six minutes later, Arsenal were level when a poorly cleared free kick fell kindly inside the area, allowing the Brazilian defender to smash home the equaliser and quickly redeem himself.
The first half ended evenly, with Bournemouth causing Arsenal problems through aggressive pressing and direct running, leaving Mikel Arteta visibly frustrated on the touchline.
Arsenal emerged with greater purpose after the break and turned the game around in the 54th minute. Martin Odegaard teed up Declan Rice on the edge of the box, and the England international thundered a precise strike into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.
Rice was not finished. With 19 minutes remaining, Bukayo Saka made an immediate impact off the bench, cutting the ball back for Rice to calmly side foot home his second of the night and Arsenal’s third. It was Rice’s first ever Premier League brace and a decisive moment in the contest.
Bournemouth refused to fold and were handed fresh belief when substitute Eli Junior Kroupi curled a stunning effort into the far corner in the 76th minute, setting up a nervy finish. The Cherries pushed for an equaliser and even finished with a higher expected goals tally than Arsenal, but the Gunners held firm under sustained late pressure.
The final whistle confirmed a crucial away victory for Arsenal, who move seven points clear of Manchester City at the summit, though Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand. Bournemouth, now without a win in 11 league matches, remain 15th and searching for momentum.
Arsenal next host Liverpool in a blockbuster clash, while Bournemouth face another tough test away to Tottenham.
