Arsenal kicked off 2026 in winning fashion, edging past a spirited Bournemouth side as Declan Rice inspired a 3-2 Premier League victory at the Emirates.
The result moved Mikel Arteta’s men six points clear at the summit, with Rice stealing the spotlight by scoring his first-ever Premier League brace, both goals coming after the interval in a tense contest.
Bournemouth began brightly and were rewarded inside 10 minutes when a rare mistake from Gabriel handed them the lead.
The Brazilian misjudged a first-time pass across the back line, allowing Evanilson to pounce and calmly slot beyond David Raya.
Gabriel, however, atoned swiftly. Just six minutes later, he powered home an equaliser from close range after Noni Madueke caused problems down the right flank, restoring parity and settling Arsenal nerves.
Despite that response, the visitors looked the more threatening side before the break, creating the clearer chances. But nine minutes into the second half, Arsenal struck decisively as Rice swept home to give the Gunners the advantage.
Bukayo Saka’s introduction from the bench proved crucial. The winger’s electric run in the 71st minute ended with a perfectly weighted cut-back, which Rice finished clinically to make it 3-1 and seemingly put the game beyond Bournemouth.
There was still late drama, though, as substitute Junior Kroupi curled a superb effort into the bottom corner in the 76th minute to set up a nervy finale. Arsenal held firm under pressure to see out the win.
Arteta will be relieved to have Rice back after his absence in midweek. While Arsenal were unusually sloppy in possession during the first half, the England international’s quality in decisive moments proved the difference.
The brace was Rice’s first in the league in his 296th top-flight appearance, adding to his growing influence in an Arsenal shirt. Bournemouth, in particular, seem to bring out the best in him, he has now scored five Premier League goals against the Cherries, more than against any other opponent.
Although Arsenal claimed the points, the underlying numbers reflected how hard-fought the contest was.
The Gunners recorded an expected goals total of 1.17 from 12 shots, while Bournemouth slightly edged the metric with 1.34 from 15 attempts, underlining just how close the encounter proved to be.
