Declan Rice scored on his 100th Arsenal appearance to give Mikel Arteta’s side a 1-0 advantage going into the break against Bournemouth at the Emirates.
The midfielder netted his eighth goal of the season after latching on to Martin Odegaard’s through ball before rounding Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Cherries goal and finishing confidently.
It proved to be the only goal in the first-half of the battle between the two Basque region manager at the Emirates, although Andoni Iraola’s side had a couple of good chances to draw level courtesy of Evanilson and Justin Kluivert.
Declan Rice gives Arsenal the lead against Bournemouth ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ywHdWOzSop
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2025
Arteta opted to field a strong starting eleven despite his side’s trip to PSG in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday where they will be hoping to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg.
Thomas Partey returned to partner Rice in midfield after he sat out of the midweek clash with PSG due to suspension.
Ben White also started the game, replacing Jurrien Timber, who was left out of the squad after suffering a knock in Tuesday’s game.
The Arsenal boss will be hoping for a strong showing from his players ahead of that crunch match in Paris as the Gunners look to secure second spot in the table.
Arteta’s team are currently three points clear of third-place Manchester City but a win would increase that lead to seven.
