Arsenal kicked off 2026 with a gritty and dramatic 3–2 away victory over Bournemouth, extending their winning run to seven matches in all competitions. The defining figure on the south coast was Declan Rice, whose second-half brace proved decisive in a contest that tested the Gunners’ resolve.

The opening stages were played at a high tempo, with both sides looking to impose themselves. Arsenal gradually took control of possession, but that dominance was undermined midway through the first half. A costly mistake from Gabriel gifted the ball to Evanilson, who made no mistake in punishing the error to put Bournemouth ahead after 25 minutes.

The response from the visitors was swift. Six minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli saw his effort blocked after a pass from Noni Madueke, but Gabriel reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and restore parity at 1–1.

After the break, Bournemouth again showed attacking intent, yet it was Arsenal who delivered the decisive blows. On 55 minutes, Viktor Gyokeres battled superbly inside the box, the ball fell to Martin Odegaard, and the captain calmly teed up Rice, who swept home to make it 2–1.

Just under 15 minutes later, Bukayo Saka burst into the penalty area from the right and drilled a low cross into the danger zone. Once again, Rice arrived with perfect timing, finishing clinically to give Arsenal a 3–1 cushion.

To their credit, Bournemouth refused to fold. Substitute Junior Kroupi produced a stunning long-range strike to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finale. However, the side led by Mikel Arteta managed the closing stages with composure, limiting the hosts to speculative efforts and seeing the game out professionally.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Bournemouth - Arsenal 2:3 (1:1)
Goals: Evanilson, 10 (1:0); Gabriel M., 16 (1:1); Rice, 54 (1:2); Rice, 71 (1:3); Kroupi, 76 (2:3)

Bournemouth: Petrovic Dj.; Truffert; Senesi; Jiménez Al.; Hill; Scott A. (Kroupi, 74); Tavernier; Brooks (Adli A., 67); Evanilson (Ünal E., 74); Kluivert (Cook L., 74); Semenyo
Substitution: Adli A. (from 67); Kroupi (from 74); Cook L. (from 74); Ünal E. (from 74)
Bench: Forster F.; Soler; Smith Adam; Diakité B.; Rees-Dottin
Yellow Cards: Semenyo 26; Kroupi 80; Adli A. 91

Arsenal: Raya; Saliba; Hincapie; Gabriel M.; Timber J.; Zubimendi; Odegaard (Merino, 80); Rice; Madueke (Saka B., 67); Martinelli (Trossard, 67); Gyökeres (Gabriel Jesus, 66)
Substitution: Gabriel Jesus (from 66); Saka B. (from 67); Trossard (from 67); Merino (from 80)
Bench: Arrizabalaga; White B.; Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard; Eze
Yellow Cards: Zubimendi 70