Football Review | Arsenal 1 - 2 Bournemouth
Arsenal’s title hopes suffered a significant setback
Alex Scott struck in the second half to hand Bournemouth victory
Author | DJ
Stadium | Emirates Stadium
The defeat denied the hosts the chance to stretch their lead at the summit to 12 points before second-placed Manchester City face Chelsea on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta had urged supporters to arrive early and create an atmosphere befitting a pivotal moment in the season, with hopes of domestic cup success already extinguished in recent weeks.
A closer analysis of a potentially damaging day
Yet it was Bournemouth who began with greater composure and they made it count, Junior Kroupi finishing from close range after Adrien Truffert’s cross took a deflection to give the visitors an early lead.
Arsenal responded and drew level when Viktor Gyokeres converted from the spot after Ryan Christie was penalised for handball while attempting to block a shot.
Tension gripped the stadium and Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and teenager Max Dowman in a bid to seize control.
Instead, Bournemouth delivered the decisive moment. Evanilson’s deft flick found Scott on the edge of the area and he finished beyond David Raya to stun the home crowd.
The goal extended Bournemouth’s unbeaten league run to 12 matches and left Arsenal deflated. Arteta’s side remain top but have played two games more than Manchester City and now face a daunting trip to Manchester next weekend to meet Pep Guardiola’s side.
Why Arsenal can still win the title
Despite the setback, there remain reasons for optimism for the Gunners. Crucially, the title race is still in their hands.
They retain a nine point advantage and there is no certainty that Manchester City will produce a flawless run in, or even overcome Arsenal when the sides meet next weekend.
Injuries may have stretched the squad, yet there are encouraging signs in attack. Viktor Gyokeres appears to be hitting form at a decisive stage of the season.
Fresh from leading Sweden through the World Cup play offs, his confidence is evident. Eleven of his 18 goals in all competitions have arrived since the turn of the year.
He is also Arsenal’s leading scorer, with his penalty against Bournemouth taking him to 12 league goals for the campaign.
Defeat by Bournemouth was only Arsenal’s fourth in the league. Earlier setbacks this season have often been followed by extended unbeaten runs, underlining their resilience.
Momentum may have dipped for now, but if Mikel Arteta’s side can regroup and rediscover that consistency, there is still a clear path for Arsenal to be lifting the title in May.
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