Arsenal dealt huge title blow as Bournemouth stun league leaders

Arsenal have been beaten at home by Bournemouth as the Premier League title race gets more intense.

The Gunners began the day knowing a win would send them 12 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table but could not get the job done. Mikel Arteta’s side failed to play their best football and were punished by a well drilled Bournemouth side.

Arsenal found themselves behind when Adrien Truffert’s cross was deflected into the path of Junior Kroupi at the back post.

Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates scoring his team’s first goal against Arsenal. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) 

However, the Gunners were handed a route back into the game after Gabriel Magalhaes smashed the ball into Ryan Christie’s hand, which was up, and Michael Oliver pointed to the spot.

Viktor Gyokeres hammered the penalty into the corner to bring Arsenal level with their first shot on target.

Bournemouth started the second half strongly just like they’ve ended the first 45 minutes. After enduring the first five minutes in this half, Arteta made a triple substitution.

However, this did not pay off as Alex Scott’s perfectly-timed run and finish put Bournemouth ahead once again. The Cherries arrived in north London unbeaten in 11 games and showed why, defending their goal with determination to clinch their second successive win at the Emirates.