Bournemouth Stun Arsenal With Late Winner

 

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow as Bournemouth secured a stunning 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Ahead of the match, the Premier League title race was in the hands of Arsenal, leading with nine points over the nearest team, Manchester City, who drew their previous game before the international break. 

Arsenal enjoyed a fair share of possession from the start, but Bournemouth's defense held firm. Junior Kroupi's early goal gave the visitors the lead, but Arsenal equalized through Viktor Gyokeres's penalty in the 35th minute.

Bournemouth's performance was transformed in the second half, with Alex Scott and Evanilson causing havoc on the wings. The Cherries' pressure paid off in the 74th minute, as Scott's right-footed shot found the bottom left corner. Arsenal pushed for an equalizer, but Bournemouth's defense held firm.

The Gunners lost to Bournemouth, who have been winless in their previous five Premier League games. The visitors have not won a game since February when they defeated West Ham by 2-1. 

Overview 

It was quite a shock for Arsenal, having to trail from the early stages. Even though the Gunners were eager, Bournemouth were coordinated with their passes, and they found a space to score the opening goal. Arsenal drifted far out on the right back, opening a space for Truffert to move behind them, leading to Kroupi's goal. 

Arsenal barely knew what to do with the ball. Their wings were not as sharp as they were, and penetrating through the centre was almost impossible for them. They barely had a cutback inside the Cherriets' box. Their attack was weak and aimless. Meanwhile, Bournemouth moved effectively, even as Evanilson could not find space, they yet opened up the Gunners' defense for a comeback goal. 

Going Forward

This is not the time for Arsenal not to field their best players. It is not the time to try new legs, since they are still within   Manchester City's reach, who have more games to play than they do. Bukayo Saka's absence was costly for Arsenal. The winger was ruled out due to injury. Gabriel Martinelli had a difficult day, which made the wing almost non-functional except for Noni Madueke, who tried his best, but the balls were not floating properly into the opponents' six-yard box.  

Bournemouth were not taking for granted. They were the better side against their hosts. The Cherries dictated the game. They left fewer rooms for Arsenal to move the ball around them. The Cherries effectively and exhausted their hosts long enough to find scoring spaces.