Arsenal took a big step towards a first Premier League title in 18 years thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice gave the Gunners a four-point cushion at the top of the table.
The result ensured Manchester City cannot displace Arsenal from pole position even if they win their two games in hand. Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a composed display against a tricky opponent to maintain their title charge.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers was an early busy man, denying Kai Havertz and William Saliba in the opening minutes. Takehiro Tomiyasu also forced a goal-line clearance as Arsenal piled on the pressure.
Travers was caught in no man’s land just before half-time and Havertz drew a penalty with a neat turn in the box. Saka made no mistake from 12 yards to break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime.
The visitors pushed for an equalizer after the break but Arsenal continued to threaten on the counter. Havertz almost teed up Saka for a second only for the winger to skew his shot wide.
The hosts slowly regained control and wrapped up the points with two late goals. Trossard swept in a clinical finish from a pinpoint Rice pass in the 70th minute.
The England midfielder got himself on the scoresheet in injury time by slotting home from a few yards out, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Arsenal players and fans packed inside the Emirates.
The victory lifts Arsenal four points clear of second placed City ahead of an electric final few weeks. Arteta will hope his young side can hold their nerve as the pressure intensifies in the coming weeks.
Bournemouth offered stern resistance but were ultimately overmatched by the league leaders. This result highlights Arsenal’s growing maturity and conviction as they home in on a long-awaited league championship. With four points between themselves and City, the momentum now firmly lies with the red half of north London.
