Premier League: Arsenal Triumphs Over Bournemouth 3-0
Arsenal’s possible first Premier League title win in 20 years is now closer than ever after overpowering Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. With a flawless 3-0 victory achieved via Bukayo Saka’s penalty, followed by goals from Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, Arsenal retains its top table position post-weekend games.
While the ultimate title race is still reliant on current champions Manchester City’s next game, Mikel Arteta’s team has the sole objective of winning their pending games, including a challenge against Manchester United and a final day clash with Everton.
Arsenal’s initial lead was established after their 16th attempt when Saka scored in response to Kai Havertz’s foul, leaving Bournemouth with a bitter taste as a late attempt to change the game’s dynamics by Dominic Solanke was rebuffed due to his push on David Raya.
There was a noticeable shift from the scenario of the previous season’s game where Bournemouth had taken the lead instantly, as this time, Arsenal showed aggression from the beginning. Ryan Christie managed to avoid disciplinary action for his aggressive move on Saka, and Bournemouth was forced on the defensive from the outset with William Saliba challenging Mark Travers by keeping the opponent’s box under siege.
Despite Arsenal’s spirited gameplay, the breakthrough came only towards the end of the first half when referee David Coote declared a penalty against Travers for downing Havertz. Saka confidently converted this into a goal after a VAR confirmation, providing Arsenal a well-deserved lead at halftime.
Saka could have extended the lead early in the second half, however, a rushed shot and a further save by Travers kept that at bay. This winning streak for the Gunners creates a promising outlook for their future Premier League endeavours.
In a rare aggressive manoeuvre, Solanke managed to keep Raya on his toes in the Arsenal goal, marking the start of a notably formidable offensive stance from the Cherries. Justin Kluivert’s free-kick however sailed over the crossbar before he failed to capitalise when he was put through beyond the Arsenal defence line.
The growing anticipation of Bournemouth scoring an equalizer was diffused by Trossard’s goal, reassuring the hosting team and their supporters. Rice quickly took control of an unattended ball near the Bournemouth area, cunningly passed it to Trossard, who finished it off with a goal.
The visiting crowd voiced their displeasure towards referee Coote for cancelling a potential goal by Antoine Semenyo, as he adjudged Solanke to have obstructed Raya during the build-up.
Rice turned the afternoon splendid by driving home a third goal from a sharp angle in the additional time, keeping Arsenal’s aspirations of securing their first league title since 2004 well and truly in sight.