Beaten 2–1 at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal dropped crucial points in the title race. Punished by Éli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, Mikel Arteta’s men delivered a worrying performance just days before their Champions League showdown.
Photos : Bournemouth/ Arsenal/DR
Eli Junior Kroupi stuns Arsenal, Viktor Gyökeres hits back
For this must‑win fixture, Arsenal lined up with a near full‑strength XI featuring Declan Rice and Viktor Gyökeres.But after just 17 minutes, Éli Junior Kroupi silenced the Emirates by giving Bournemouth the lead.nThe Gunners reacted quickly, at the 35th minute, Viktor Gyökeres converted a penalty to level the score (1–1). A deserved equaliser, but not enough to settle the nerves of a tense home crowd.
Arsenal fade, Bournemouth strike again
After the break, Arsenal’s level dropped sharply. Less precise, less fluid, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled in their passing and build‑up play. Bournemouth seized the moment : in the 75th minute, Alex Scott restored the visitors’ lead with a composed finish (1–2). The final minutes turned into a nightmare. The huge chance missed by Viktor Gyökeres in the 78th minute summed up Arsenal’s collapse.
Photos : Bournemouth/ Arsenal/DR
A costly setback in the title race
Despite the defeat, Arsenal still hold a nine‑point lead over Manchester City but City have two games in hand, a gap that could evaporate quickly. With the Champions League return leg against Sporting CP looming, Arsenal have put themselves under unnecessary pressure. Meanwhile, Manchester City head to Chelsea before hosting the Gunners next week… and can now believe more than ever.
Photos : Bournemouth/ Arsenal/DR
