The first half of the match at Vitality Stadium on 3/1/2025 was tense and balanced, with both teams cautiously probing. Arsenal had more possession but faced constant difficulty from Bournemouth's sharp counter-attacks.

Bournemouth created several dangerous chances with 8 shots, ranking only behind Man Utd (10) for most shots taken against Arsenal in a first half this season. Notably, the hosts achieved an expected goals (xG) metric of 1,13 - the highest for a club facing Arsenal in a first half since their match against Newcastle in 5/2025 (xG was 1,46).

Gabriel Magalhaes holds his head after making a mistake in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in Premier League matchday 20 at Vitality Stadium, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England on 3/1/2025. *Photo: Shutterstock*

In this tense encounter, Gabriel Magalhaes became the unexpected focal point. In the 10th minute, the Brazilian defender made a one-touch pass directly to Evanilson, allowing the Bournemouth forward to easily score into an open net after David Raya had rushed out of position.

However, Gabriel quickly redeemed himself. In the 16th minute, Noni Madueke drove down the right wing, carried the ball close to the touchline, and passed it inside. Two Arsenal players failed to score, but the ball rebounded backward, and Gabriel immediately struck with his left foot, sending the ball into the hosts' net to equalize.

Gabriel became the first Arsenal player to both score and commit an error leading to a goal in the same Premier League match since Bukayo Saka against Fulham in 8/2023. He also officially became the second defender in Arsenal's history to reach 20 Premier League goals, after Laurent Koscielny (22).

Gabriel Magalhaes scores to equalize at 1-1. *Photo: Shutterstock*

In the second half, Arsenal settled down and controlled the game better. In the 54th minute, captain Martin Odegaard laid off the ball perfectly for Declan Rice, who struck it first-time with the inside of his foot, sending a low shot into the near corner, leaving goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic helpless.

In the 71st minute, Rice scored again with a tap-in into an open net, from a perfect assist by substitute Bukayo Saka. This marked Rice's first brace in 296 Premier League appearances.

Just when it seemed victory was assured for Arsenal, Bournemouth surged back to reduce the deficit, making the match a nail-biter. In the 76th minute, substitute Junior Kroupi scored a spectacular goal with a powerful, diagonal shot from outside the box, reigniting hopes of a point for the hosts.

In the final minutes, Bournemouth continuously pressed Arsenal in the penalty area, but the visitors' goal remained intact. The match ended controversially as the referee blew the final whistle despite Bournemouth still having possession near the penalty area, frustrating the home team's players and coaching staff.

Declan Rice kisses the camera, celebrating his goal to make it 3-1. *Photo: Shutterstock*

The 3-2 victory at Vitality Stadium not only extended Arsenal's lead over Man City to seven points but also carried significant psychological weight. Last season, "the Gunners" lost both Premier League matches against Bournemouth: 0-2 away due to an early red card for William Saliba and 1-2 at Emirates in 5/2025.

This comeback victory and securing all three points not only erased painful memories but also sent a strong message: Arsenal has matured and is determined to compete for the championship until the final rounds.

Hong Duy