Bournemouth recorded a historic 2–1 Premier League victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, completing a memorable double over the Gunners and boosting their hopes of European qualification.
The visitors staged a spirited second-half comeback, with goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson cancelling out Declan Rice’s first-half opener on his 100th appearance for Arsenal. The result marks Bournemouth’s first-ever Premier League win at Arsenal.
Rice had put the Gunners ahead in the 34th minute after rounding goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and calmly slotting home. However, the hosts failed to capitalise on further chances, and Bournemouth punished their wastefulness. Huijsen levelled in the 67th minute before Evanilson struck eight minutes later to seal the win.
Speaking after the match, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard expressed his frustration: “Massive disappointment. It is too chaotic and too sloppy from us. The second half is not acceptable.”
The defeat dealt a blow to Arsenal’s preparations for their crucial UEFA Champions League second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s side remain second in the league on 67 points—three clear of third-placed Manchester City while Bournemouth climb to eighth with 53 points, potentially securing a European spot next season.
“We knew we had never taken a point here, and that motivated us more,” said Huijsen. “It’s a really important three points for us.”
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Elsewhere, Aston Villa strengthened their Champions League ambitions with a narrow 1–0 home win over Fulham. Youri Tielemans scored the only goal in the 12th minute, heading in from John McGinn’s corner. The Belgian midfielder nearly set up a second for Ollie Watkins and came close himself with a curling effort just before the break.
The victory extends Villa’s unbeaten home run in the league to 17 matches and lifts them to 60 points, level with Nottingham Forest and Chelsea—both of whom have a game in hand.
At the King Power Stadium, Leicester City ended a nine-game goal drought at home with a 2–0 win over already-relegated Southampton. The result offered a rare bright spot in a difficult campaign for the Foxes.
Meanwhile, Everton’s emotional farewell season at Goodison Park continued with a dramatic 2–2 draw against Ipswich Town. The relegated visitors fought back from two goals down to salvage a point in a spirited display.
