In a dramatic Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on May 3, 2025, Bournemouth pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Arsenal, completing their first-ever league double over the Gunners. The result left Arsenal fans reeling and raised questions about the team’s focus as they juggle domestic and European commitments, with a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain looming.
The match began with Arsenal showing intent to shake off their midweek Champions League disappointment, a 1-0 loss to PSG. Despite a rotated squad, with Mikel Arteta bringing in Thomas Partey and Ben White while resting key players like Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, the Gunners took the lead in the first half. A well-worked move saw Ethan Nwaneri, the young starlet given a rare start, combine with Martin Odegaard, whose precise pass found Raheem Sterling. The winger’s low strike beat Bournemouth’s Kepa Arrizabalaga to give Arsenal a deserved lead. However, the hosts squandered several chances to extend their advantage, with Sterling and Declan Rice both denied by sharp saves from Kepa.
Bournemouth, under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, refused to wilt. The Cherries, buoyed by the overturned red card for striker Evanilson, grew into the game and should have been level by halftime. Antoine Semenyo’s blistering run ended with a shot that rattled the crossbar, and David Raya was forced into a stunning save to deny Justin Kluivert. Arsenal’s vulnerability from set pieces, a recurring issue this season, was evident but unpunished in the opening period.
The second half saw Bournemouth up the ante, exploiting Arsenal’s fatigue and lack of cohesion. The equalizer came just past the hour mark from a set piece. A long throw from Semenyo was flicked on by Dean Huijsen, whose towering header looped over Raya and into the net. The Emirates fell silent, sensing trouble. Arteta’s decision to stick with his starting XI, despite visible signs of tiredness, backfired spectacularly in the 82nd minute. Another set piece undid Arsenal’s defense, this time a corner. Justin Kluivert’s delivery found Evanilson, who, in a tussle with Odegaard, saw the ball ricochet off him and past a wrong-footed Raya. A lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal, to the fury of the home crowd.
Arsenal’s late push for an equalizer was frantic but lacked precision. Nwaneri came closest, weaving into the box only to be thwarted by Milos Kerkez, while Partey’s appeals for a penalty were waved away. As the final whistle blew, boos echoed around the Emirates, reflecting frustration with a team that has now won just two of their last six league games. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with fans lamenting Arsenal’s “poor team management” and “vulnerability to set pieces,” a stark contrast to their once-dominant dead-ball prowess.
For Bournemouth, the victory was a triumph of resilience and tactical discipline. Iraola’s side, sitting 10th and still chasing European qualification, showcased their ability to compete with the league’s elite. Evanilson’s controversial goal and Huijsen’s commanding display at the back earned them plaudits, while Iraola’s stock continues to rise amid links to Tottenham Hotspur. The Cherries’ fans celebrated wildly, knowing they had outplayed an Arsenal side distracted by their European ambitions.
Arteta, visibly dejected, acknowledged the need for improvement in his post-match comments, stating, “We have to be better, especially from set pieces. Our focus must be sharper.” With Manchester City now just three points behind in third and tough fixtures against Liverpool and Newcastle ahead, Arsenal’s second-place position looks precarious. Bournemouth, meanwhile, head back to the south coast with three points and a historic achievement, having toppled Arsenal twice in a single season for the first time.