EPL: Declan Rice scores twice as Arsenal edge Bournemouth 3-2

Declan Rice scored twice as Premier League leaders Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth.

Gunners centre-back Gabriel played a blind pass across his box to gift Evanilson the opening goal for the Cherries.

But he made up for that with the equaliser as he lashed in a rebound after Gabriel Martinelli’s shot had been blocked.

Bournemouth had chances to go ahead but Rice’s shot from the edge of the box, from Martin Odegaard’s lay-off, gave Arsenal the lead.

The England midfielder, back from a knee injury, netted again following a cutback by substitute Bukayo Saka.

Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth renewed hope with a fine strike from outside the area – but they could not find a leveller.

Antoine Semenyo, playing perhaps his final game for Bournemouth before a £65m move to Manchester City, was quiet throughout.

The victory takes Mikel Arteta’s team six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, although Manchester City can close the gap back to four points when they host managerless Chelsea on Sunday (17:30 GMT).

BBC