Arsenal maintained their title push with a comprehensive 3-2 win over Bournemouth in the Match-Day 20 of the premier league, Softfootball reports.
The talk before game-day was Antoine Semenyo starting against the Gunners despite his transfer speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. The Ghana international is not at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the Black Stars failed to qualify, so he is a hot commodity for a January transfer.
The game played well into the hands of the home side as a mistake by Arsenal center back, Gabriel Magalhães allowed Evanilson steal the ball and slotted past David Raya in goal for Arsenal. But that lead lasted just five minutes as Gabriel Martinelli’s shot was saved but Gabriel was on hand to score the rebound.
The first half ended 1-1 with both teams optimistic of pushing for the win in the second half. In game week 19, Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-1 courtesy four second half goals and that seem to be their super power as they refocused for Bournemouth.
Nine minutes into the second half, former West Ham United Captain, Declan Rice scored after being teed up by Martin Odegaard on the edge of the box, and the Englishman curled the ball into the corner with crisp first-time strike.
The home side came out strong as they fought to get back into the game. Semenyo ran onto an Evanilson’s pass but his shot went over the bar. With the match at 2-1, Bournemouth felt they can get back into the match and with their fans behind them, they could go on and win the game.
However, it was the away side that found more joy as they worked out a routine move when winger, Bukayo Saka made a beautiful run on the right flank and cut the ball back for Declan Rice, who made no mistake with a fantastic finish to make it 3-1.
Bournemouth did not give up as they pushed for a respectable scoreline and got it in the 76th minute through Substitute Junior Kroupi as he made an immediate impact by running onto Lewis Cook’s lay-off and smashing the ball into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Arsenal celebrated the victory via their official X handle as they rejoiced for a hard fought win against a very strong Bournemouth side.
At 3-2 Arsenal defended with all they got to see the match out 3-2. The Gunners have now extended their lead on top of the premier league table to six points as they now have 48 points with Aston Villa on 42 points. Manchester City are third with 41 points but can cut Arsenal’s lead to four points if they beat Chelsea at the Etihad on Sunday.
