Arsenal extends lead
After an early deficit, Arsenal turned the game around and celebrated their fifth consecutive league win. Kai Havertz was not in the squad this time.
Rice (l.) got to celebrate twice
Despite a false start, league leaders Arsenal continued their run in the first game of the new year. The Gunners struggled at AFC Bournemouth, coming from an early deficit to win 3-2 (1-1) and temporarily extending their lead at the top of the English Premier League with their fifth consecutive league victory. German international Kai Havertz was not in manager Mikel Arteta’s squad this time, following his return to the roster before the turn of the year.
A crucial misplaced pass from Gabriel led to the first goal conceded: Evanilson (10.) only had to tap the ball in. However, Gabriel quickly atoned for his error, scoring the equalizer (16.) for the visitors from a rebound. Arsenal did not relinquish their lead after a brace from Declan Rice (54./71.), despite a dream goal from Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi (76.) for the final score.
The Gunners, who will host Liverpool for a top match on Thursday (9:00 PM / Sky), lead the Premier League by six points. Aston Villa, who won 3-1 (1-0) against Nottingham Forest in the afternoon, are their closest pursuers. Manchester City could jump back into second place with a win on Sunday (6:30 PM / Sky) against Chelsea, closing the gap to four points.