Declan Rice Shines as Arsenal Breeze Past Bournemouth in PL Title Race

Declan Rice Shines as Arsenal Breeze Past Bournemouth in PL Title Race

Arsenal secured another crucial three points in the Premier League title race against Bournemouth early this morning thanks to a massive performance by Declan Rice.

The Gunners hosted Bournemouth in the early game on the weekend. Andoni Iraola's team came in looking to play spoiler, but Mikel Arteta's side had other plans. Arsenal was on top of Bournemouth from kick-off with chance after chance. The Cherries did well to keep Arsenal at bay for most of the first half despite facing numerous shots.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring just on the edge of halftime after Mark Travers fouled Kai Havertz in the 18-yard box. After a lengthy VAR check, Saka gave Travers the eyes for his 16th league goal of the season.

Bournemouth had some decent chances in the second half, including a goal disallowed by VAR. Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal some breathing room with a 70th-minute goal assisted by Declan Rice. The midfielder provided the cherry on top in the 97th-minute capping off an impressive performance.

The win puts Arsenal four points clear of Manchester City, though as we know the reigning champions have an extra game in hand. Pep Guardiola's side hosts Wolverhampton Wanderers at 12:30 p.m. ET. Wolves won the reverse fixture 2-1 in September, and did a double over the Cityzens back in the 2019-20 season. Though, fans know just how lethal Manchester City are in the business end of the season.

Declan Rice Shines as Arsenal Breeze Past Bournemouth in PL Title Race

Goalkeeper David Raya officially won the Premier League Golden Glove keeping the most clean sheets in the league. It seems like forever ago when there was a goalkeeper controversy at the club. Mikel Arteta's faith in the Spanish GK has been repaid after dropping fan-favorite Aaron Ramsdale earlier in the season. Fans were on board after Raya's performance in the Champions League penalty shootout against Porto, but now he's got an award to put in his cabinet.

City aside, Arsenal needs to do its job for the rest of the season. The Gunners have a trip to Old Trafford next weekend and close out the season against Everton at home.

Arsenal vs Bournemonth: Preview, Prediction, How to Watch on TV

Arsenal vs Bournemonth: Preview, Prediction, How to Watch on TV

Arsenal hosts Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium with the Gunners looking to keep the pressure on Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal vs. Bournemouth was one of the best games of last season. The Cherries jumped out to an early two-goal lead, but Arsenal showed determination and grit to pull off a sensational comeback thanks to a 97th minute winner from Reiss Nelson. Fans though that was the win to catapult the Gunners to a title last year, but now they hope the win just puts added pressure on Manchester City.

Arsenal currently lead Manchester City by one point atop the table, but City has a game in hand. If Manchester City wins its remaining matches, Pep Guardiola will capture an unprecedented, fourth-straight Premier League title.

Bournemouth on the other hand are riding high with manager Andoni Iraola. The Spanish manager has helped Bournemouth achieve its highest Premier League points tally ever. Finishing in the top half of the table would give the club a major platform to build on for next season.

Where to watch Arsenal vs Bournemouth

  • United States (USA, Universo, Fubo, Sling TV, NBC Sports)

Arsenal team news

Arsenal is expected to welcome Jurrien Timber back to the first team squad. Though, expect the Netherlands defender to be on the bench. After suffering an ACL injury in the beginning of the season, Timber played 60 minutes against Liverpool in an under-21s match.

Bournemouth team news

Bournemouth will have Antoine Semenyo and Illia Zabarnyi fit and ready for the match, though Luis Sinisterra and Marcus Tavernier are battling hamstring issues. Milos Kerkez is suspended after receiving a straight red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Notably for USMNT fans, Tyler Adams is still out with a back injury.

Arsenal vs Bournemouth prediction

Arsenal has shown an improved mentality this season after the heartbreak of last. If there was to be a slip up, many expected it to come in the two London derbies against Chelsea and Tottenham. Since the loss to Aston Villa, Arsenal has scored 10 goals and conceded just two. The Gunners need help along the way if they are to win the Premier League this season, but they also need to take care of business in their final three games.

Bournemouth has never won at Emirates Stadium, though this is a different team under Iraola at this point in the season. The team has certainly improved since losing 4-0 in the reverse fixture. However, Arsenal show no signs of slowing down and every game from here on out is vital.

Score prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Bournemouth