Rice double delivers six-point Premier League lead for Arsenal

Declan Rice overcame a knee problem to boost Arsenal's lead at the summit of the Premier League by six points, securing a 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth.

A unusual mistake by Gabriel Magalhaes allowed the Cherries to take an early lead via Evanilson, yet the defender soon made amends by equalising.

Rice had sat out Tuesdays 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa owing to knee inflammation.

The England midfielder reclaimed his spot in the XI and notched his second brace of the campaign with two calm strikes around the 60-minute mark.

Eli Kroupis excellent effort sparked brief optimism for Bournemouth, but Arsenal managed the final moments with ease, extending their advantage over Manchester City to seven points ahead of the Citizens midweek clash against caretaker-led Chelsea on Sunday.

Pep Guardiolas side briefly saw an opening when Arsenal surrendered possession after only 10 minutes.

Gabriel fluffed his crossfield ball intended for Jurrien Timber, gifting it straight to fellow Brazilian Evanilson, who coolly beat David Raya for his debut home strike this term.

Arsenals dominant defender had scored on his return to the lineup after almost two months against Villa earlier in the week, and he repeated the feat by levelling within six minutes.

Gabriel reacted sharply to bury Noni Maduekes wayward delivery for his 20th league goal since arriving at the Emirates in 2020, outpacing every other backline player by seven tallies.

Rice has emerged as a key goal threat too, thriving in a deeper attacking position this year.

Martin Odegaard found him ideally placed to fire past the keeper from outside the area, handing the away team the edge on 56 minutes.

Bukayo Saka entered as a substitute to set up the third, with Rice tapping in his low cross.

Bournemouths barren run now spans 11 fixtures since late October.

Still, just five teams have netted more in the Premier League this season than Andoni Iraolas outfit.

Kroupis magnificent long-range shot injected tension into the closing stages.

Nevertheless, Mikel Artetas squad stood resolute, inching closer to their first title in 22 years.