Arsenal’s preparations for their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg were dealt a serious blow as Bournemouth produced a stunning second-half comeback to win 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium — their first-ever victory at the venue.
The Gunners, with a full-strength lineup despite their looming clash with Paris Saint-Germain, appeared to be in control when Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 34th minute. Celebrating his 100th appearance for the club, the England international latched onto Martin Ødegaard’s pass, rounded Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa, and slotted home to give the hosts a deserved lead.
But what followed was a collapse that will concern Mikel Arteta, as Bournemouth turned the match on its head with two goals in just eight second-half minutes.
The visitors had threatened in the first half without reward but found a breakthrough after the break. In the 67th minute, centre-back Dean Huijsen rose highest to meet Antoine Semenyo’s long throw, powering a header past David Raya to level the scores.
The Emirates crowd was still reeling when Bournemouth struck again. From a corner in the 75th minute, striker Evanilson bundled the ball over the line after escaping his marker, Ødegaard, to complete the turnaround and give the Cherries a memorable lead.
Despite Arsenal’s urgent attempts to respond, they failed to muster a single shot on target after going behind — a telling indicator of their struggles in front of goal and a lack of clinical edge without a true striker.
Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, but third-placed Manchester City are now just three points behind with a game in hand, increasing pressure on the Gunners as the season enters its final stretch.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s historic win lifts them to eighth and reignites their European ambitions. The result is all the more remarkable considering they had only won once in their previous nine league matches. Manager Andoni Iraola’s inspired second-half substitutions, particularly the introduction of Semenyo, proved decisive in swinging momentum their way.
The loss marks Arsenal’s second consecutive Premier League stumble, and Arteta now faces the difficult task of lifting his side ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League clash in Paris. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Gunners must deliver one of their finest European performances if they are to reach the final.
Set-pieces — usually a strength under Arteta — proved Arsenal’s undoing, as both of Bournemouth’s goals came from such situations. Poor marking and sluggish reactions left the Gunners exposed and vulnerable, and their attacking play never recovered.
The Emirates crowd of 60,110 watched in growing frustration as Bournemouth managed the final stages with discipline and belief, earning a famous win that could define their season.
Dean Huijsen deservedly claimed Player of the Match honours with a rating of 8.61, dominating at both ends of the pitch and leading Bournemouth’s defensive resilience.
For Arsenal, the performance raised more questions than answers. Their attacking fluency was muted, their defensive structure shaky, and their form worryingly inconsistent heading into a season-defining week.
Final Score: Arsenal 1 – 2 AFC Bournemouth
Goals:
- Arsenal: Rice (34’)
- Bournemouth: Huijsen (67’), Evanilson (75’)
Attendance: 60,110, Emirates Stadium
Can Arsenal regroup in time to rescue their European dream in Paris?
