AFC Bournemouth produced one of their most accomplished performances of the season with a convincing 2–0 victory over Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on 19 October 2024.
Softfootball gathered, Second-half goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert punished the visitors, who were reduced to ten men on the half-hour mark following William Saliba’s straight red card.
Arsenal arrived on the south coast looking to climb back into the Premier League’s top positions, but their plans were derailed early by a tightly organised Bournemouth side under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries matched Arsenal’s intensity from the opening minutes, pressing aggressively and unsettling Mikel Arteta’s team.
The turning point arrived in the 30th minute. William Saliba, attempting to recover after a loose touch, clipped Evanilson as the striker raced through on goal. Referee Robert Jones showed the defender a red card, and after a brief VAR review, the decision was upheld. Arsenal, already struggling to impose themselves, were left with a numerical disadvantage for over an hour.
Despite the setback, Arsenal managed to reach halftime level thanks to disciplined defensive work from Gabriel, Calafiori, and Thomas Partey, who dropped deeper to restore structure. Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier and Dango Ouattara were constant threats, but goalkeeper David Raya was alert to the hosts’ most dangerous opportunities.
The second half began with Bournemouth increasing their intensity. Iraola introduced Adam Smith immediately after the restart, tightening their defensive shape while giving the full-backs more attacking licence. Arsenal attempted to respond by introducing more pace and directness, with Gabriel Martinelli replacing Leandro Trossard just after the hour mark. But the breakthrough would come at the other end.
Bournemouth finally took advantage in the 70th minute. Substitute Ryan Christie, who had only entered the match moments earlier, finished off a flowing move. Justin Kluivert threaded a clever pass into the box, and Christie calmly placed his shot beyond Raya to give the Cherries a deserved lead.
Watch the match highlight below posted by skysports below;
Nine minutes later, Bournemouth doubled their advantage. After sustained pressure, Antoine Semenyo broke into the Arsenal penalty area and was brought down. Justin Kluivert stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick in the 79th minute, powering the ball into the corner to make it 2–0 and spark celebrations around the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal responded with late attacking changes, bringing on Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus in a desperate attempt to salvage the match. But Bournemouth, backed by an energetic home crowd, defended comfortably and continued to threaten on the counter. Enes Ünal replaced Evanilson in the closing stages as Iraola ensured control in the final minutes.
The match ended with Bournemouth holding a slight edge in possession (51%) and a significant advantage in total shots (14 to Arsenal’s 6). The Cherries’ disciplined structure, intelligent substitutions, and patient buildup play were the defining factors in a well-earned victory.
For Arsenal, it was an afternoon defined by frustration. Their lone shot on target reflected their struggles both before and after the sending-off, and Arteta’s side now face questions about consistency as they aim to pursue their title ambitions.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue their impressive rise under Iraola, with this result marking one of their standout performances of the season—clinical, organised, and fully deserved.
