Rice scores twice as Arsenal beat Bournemouth to go six points clear

Declan Rice scored twice to help Arsenal shrug off a poor start and beat Bournemouth 3-2 away to open up a ⁠commanding six-point lead at the top of the table. 

Bournemouth were gifted the opening goal in the 10th minute when Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes played a misplaced pass straight to Evanilson, who finished with ease.

Gabriel soon made amends for his rare error, firing in the equaliser six minutes later after some chaos in the penalty area.

Rice, returning after missing the 4–1 victory over Aston Villa through injury, showed no ill effects as the England midfielder beat Djordje Petrovic in the 54th minute to put Arsenal 2–1 ahead, scoring his first goal since November 1.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta then introduced substitutes Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka with around 20 minutes remaining. Rice struck again in the 71st minute after being set up by Saka.

Five minutes later, substitute Junior Kroupi smashed a shot past goalkeeper David Raya to reduce the deficit. However, Arsenal held on for a 3–2 win, their fifth consecutive victory, and moved six points clear of Aston Villa at the top of the standings.