Arsenal secured another crucial three points in the Premier League title race against Bournemouth early this morning thanks to a massive performance by Declan Rice.
The Gunners hosted Bournemouth in the early game on the weekend. Andoni Iraola’s team came in looking to play spoiler, but Mikel Arteta’s side had other plans. Arsenal was on top of Bournemouth from kick-off with chance after chance. The Cherries did well to keep Arsenal at bay for most of the first half despite facing numerous shots.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring just on the edge of halftime after Mark Travers fouled Kai Havertz in the 18-yard box. After a lengthy VAR check, Saka gave Travers the eyes for his 16th league goal of the season.
Bournemouth had some decent chances in the second half, including a goal disallowed by VAR. Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal some breathing room with a 70th-minute goal assisted by Declan Rice. The midfielder provided the cherry on top in the 97th-minute capping off an impressive performance.
The win puts Arsenal four points clear of Manchester City, though as we know the reigning champions have an extra game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side hosts Wolverhampton Wanderers at 12:30 p.m. ET. Wolves won the reverse fixture 2-1 in September, and did a double over the Cityzens back in the 2019-20 season. Though, fans know just how lethal Manchester City are in the business end of the season.
Goalkeeper David Raya officially won the Premier League Golden Glove keeping the most clean sheets in the league. It seems like forever ago when there was a goalkeeper controversy at the club. Mikel Arteta’s faith in the Spanish GK has been repaid after dropping fan-favorite Aaron Ramsdale earlier in the season. Fans were on board after Raya’s performance in the Champions League penalty shootout against Porto, but now he’s got an award to put in his cabinet.
City aside, Arsenal needs to do its job for the rest of the season. The Gunners have a trip to Old Trafford next weekend and close out the season against Everton at home.
