The Cherries have forced the English Premier League title race open and, in no uncertain terms, have given Manchester City a big boost by gunning down the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium a few minutes ago.
In a rich streak of form, Bournemouth continued their undefeated journey by making it 12th in a row after losing to Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in January.
The loss for Arsenal could not have come at a more terrible juncture. The Gunners needed a win to further solidify their position at the top and keep Manchester City at bay. But losing the game has suddenly given Manchester City a big boost to their ambitions.
Bournemouth’s teenager E. J. Kroupi was agile enough to latch on to a deflection from Saliba to give the Cherries the lead in the 17th minute. Arsenal equalised with a clinical penalty from Gyokeres 18 minutes later. Arsenal did not look sharp in the field, and as compared to Bournemouth were slow in their reactions on the field.
Gyokeres, Declan Rice, and Trossard all had chances to score but missed. Bournemouth were tough in their defence and thwarted every move from the Gunners.
The moment of reckoning arrived in the 74th minute. After absorbing much of the pressure from the hosts, Bournemouth produced a fine move and Alex Scott, with a fine, composed finish, tilted the match in the Cherries’ favour for good.
Arsenal went on the offensive, but failed to score as Bournemouth bravely held on to the lead and ensured a famous 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Cherries had inflicted huge damage to Arsenal’s title hopes, making it that much trickier for the Gunners.
It was Arsenal’s third loss in four games in all competitions. The Gunners might just be slowing down a bit after a vigorous season and need to dig deep to win their remaining 6 games. Any further slip might seriously damage their ambitions for their first EPL crown in 22 years.
With the EFL Carabao Cup and the FA Cup already lost, pressure builds on Mikel Arteta in the EPL.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory YouTube Channel