Declan Rice showcased an outstanding performance this Saturday, scoring twice at the Vitality Stadium, helping Arsenal secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in the 20th round of the Premier League. The Gunners, driven by the early goal from Gabriel Magalhães in the 15th minute, turned the match around after falling behind to Evanilson’s opener for Bournemouth just five minutes prior. Rice’s goals came in the second half, with strikes in the 53rd and 70th minutes, solidifying Arsenal’s comeback.
The hosts managed to find the net once more, with Kroupi’s goal in the 75th minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny Arsenal the win.
Declan Rice was undoubtedly the standout player, finishing the match with two goals, completing 52 successful passes, regaining possession three times, and attempting two shots on goal.
Defensively, Gabriel Magalhães also played a crucial role, contributing a goal of his own, recovering two balls, and clearing three dangerous crosses.
Bournemouth, under the tactical guidance of Andoni Iraola, lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Djordje Petrovic in goal and a defensive line composed of Alex Jiménez, James Hill, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert. Midfielders Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott, David Brooks, Justin Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo supported Evanilson in the attack.
On the other hand, Mikel Arteta’s squad took to the field in a 4-3-3 formation with David Raya as the goalkeeper, a backline of Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Piero Hincapié, a midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice, with Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Martinelli leading the front.
Chris Kavanagh officiated the match at Vitality Stadium.
Looking ahead, Bournemouth will face Tottenham in their next fixture, while Arsenal will host Liverpool.
This loss places Bournemouth in 15th position with 23 points, whereas Arsenal climbs to the upper half of the table with 48 points.
Substitutions for Bournemouth
73’ Second Half – Justin Kluivert off for Lewis Cook, Alex Scott off for Eli Kroupi, and Evanilson off for Enes Ünal.
Yellow Cards for Bournemouth:
26’ First Half – Antoine Semenyo (Unsporting behavior), 34’ Second Half – Eli Kroupi (Unsporting behavior), and 45’ Second Half – Amine Adli (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Arsenal
66’ Second Half – Noni Madueke off for Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres off for Gabriel Jesús, Gabriel Martinelli off for Leandro Trossard, and David Brooks off for Amine Adli. 79’ Second Half – Martín Odegaard off for Mikel Merino.
Yellow Card for Arsenal:
24’ Second Half – Martín Zubimendi (Unsporting behavior).