Arsenal suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, handing a boost to Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
The early kick-off at the Emirates Stadium was expected to strengthen Arsenal’s grip at the top, but instead exposed vulnerabilities at a critical stage of the campaign.
Bournemouth strike first, Arsenal respond
The visitors stunned the league leaders in the 17th minute when Eli Junior Kroupi finished from close range to give Bournemouth the lead.
Arsenal responded before the break, with Viktor Gyökeres converting from the penalty spot in the 35th minute after a handball by Ryan Christie.
The hosts thought they had completed the turnaround midway through the second half when Gyökeres found the net again, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Scott seals decisive blow
Arsenal’s inability to capitalise proved costly. Alex Scott restored Bournemouth’s lead with a composed finish in the second half following a well-worked attacking move.
Despite late pressure, the Gunners failed to find an equaliser, slipping to a defeat that significantly tightens the title race.
The result leaves Arsenal nine points clear at the top, but having played two games more than Manchester City, shifting the competitive advantage towards City as the season enters its decisive phase.