DECLAN RICE sent Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League table as he netted a brace against Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners survived a late Cherries onslaught inspired by an Eli Junior Kroupi screamer at the Vitality Stadium.
Gabriel Magalhaes made a colossal error by giving the ball away in the 10th minute before Evanilson put the hosts in front, only for him to make up for the mistake by scoring the equaliser six minutes later.
Rice then marked his return to the line-up from injury by putting the Gunners in front after the break after Martin Odegaard played a perfect pass to the edge of the area, which the £105million midfielder duly passed into the bottom corner.
The 26-year-old then added his second of the night in the 71st minute after a brilliant cut-back from super sub Bukayo Saka, but Kroupi’s 76th-minute strike made sure to keep Arsenal honest as they saw out the match.
Here’s how SunSport’s Simon Collings rated the Gunners against Bournemouth.
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David Raya – 6
Could do nothing about the opening goal, with Gabriel giving Evanilson basically an empty net to finish in.
Beaten a second time after Junior Kroupi lashed a swerving shot past him from outside the box.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Dealt well with Bournemouth winger David Brooks, who was lively. Made one great tackle on Brooks at the back post when the Cherries captain came steaming in.
Bombed forward when he could and combined well with Odegaard and Saka.
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William Saliba – 7
Arsenal were shaky in the opening stages – especially after Gabriel’s clanger – and the Frenchman helped settle them.
Had a good battle with Evanilson and came out on top in the end.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Endured a rollercoaster of a game. Guilty of an absolute howler for Evanilson’s goal, when he passed the ball literally straight to the Bournemouth striker.
Swiftly made amends by equalising. No one will be more relieved that Arsenal got all three points.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Kept his place in the team as left-back Riccardo Calafiori is still out injured.
Lacks the same attacking threat as Calafiori, but does a decent job defensively. Solid stuff.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
A busy night for the Spaniard, because Bournemouth were happy to throw caution to the wind and get players forward.
Left exposed at times and was overrun occasionally. Booked.
Declan Rice – 9
Passed a late fitness test to start – and showed just why Arteta was desperate for him to play.
Covered so much ground defensively and scored twice in a Prem game for the first time in his career. Stepped up when it mattered.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Looks well and truly back in his groove, and had some lovely touches. Set up Rice for his goal and then combined with Saka to create what was ultimately the winner.
The Arsenal skipper has now scored or assisted in each of his last three games.
Noni Madueke – 7
Started a Prem game for the first time in a month. Wasted a good chance early on by blazing an effort over the bar.
Moments later, he played a vital role in the opening goal, though, with a brilliant mazy run.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Came into the side in place of Leandro Trossard – but did not pull up any trees.
Had a shot blocked before Gabriel fired in the rebound, however that was about it. Hooked with just over 20 minutes to go.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5
Kept his place in the team, despite Gabriel Jesus scoring against Aston Villa on Tuesday, but was anonymous again.
Hustled and bustled to help create Rice’s first goal, however the Swede looks lost at times.
Subs
Bukayo Saka (on for Madueke, 67 mins) – 7
Off the bench and was sharp from the moment he stepped foot on the pitch. Assisted Rice’s second goal with a simple cut-back. Caused problems with a few darts inside, too.
Leandro Trossard (on for Martinelli, 67 mins) – 6
Brought on to give Arsenal some solidity on the left flank. Did not really get into the game, but had one deflected shot go just past the post.
Gabriel Jesus (on for Gyokeres, 67 mins) – 6
Will be pushing to start against Liverpool, given Gyokeres’ struggles. Buzzed around like a wasp at a picnic and held the ball up to relieve some late pressure.