Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest updates and reaction today

Arsenal vs Bournemouth - LIVE!

Reiss Nelson scored a 97th-minute winner as Arsenal came from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 on a remarkable afternoon that at one stage looked to be derailing their title bid, but ended with their hopes looking stronger than ever.

The Cherries found themselves ahead after nine seconds as Philip Billing scored the second-fastest goal in Premier League history, before Marcos Senesi doubled the advantage after the break to leave the home fans stunned. Arsenal were on the brink of just their second hoem defeat in the Premier League this season.

But Thomas Partey pulled one back with a volley from close-range, before Ben White got his first goal for the club after getting on the end of Nelson’s cross. The winger then took centre-stage himself deep into stoppage-time to spark wild scenes of celebrations as the Gunners remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal vs Bournemouth latest news

• GOAL! Nelson wins it with final kick

• GOAL! White gets the hosts level

• GOAL! Partey gives Arsenal hope

• GOAL! Senesi doubles Bournemouth’s lead

• GOAL! Billing scores in remarkable start

Arsenal FC 3 - 2 AFC Bournemouth

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19:02 , Matt Verri

At 2-0 down Arsenal needed a hero, but no one predicted it would be Reiss Nelson.

The last time the winger played for the Gunners was November and he hadn’t scored a Premier League goal since October.

But he came off the bench here to be Arsenal’s saviour against Bournemouth, scoring a last-minute goal to complete an astonishing 3-2 comeback.

The scenes as the goal went in, and again at the full-time whistle moments later, emphasised the significance of it.

Read Simon Collings’ full analysis here

One very happy former Arsenal striker...

18:35 , Matt Verri

More from the Arsenal boss

18:05 , Matt Verri

Reaction from Mikel Arteta...

17:46 , Matt Verri

“I’m incredibly happy. It was just mad. Those feelings of happiness and joy. It was a really special way and it took until the last second to earn it. I am really proud of them [players].

“They never gave up. There is nothing like sharing those great moments with your people. I’m so happy for him [Reiss Nelson].

“It’s just another game, another three points,. To win three games in a week [Leicester, Everton, Bournemouth] is very important. We want to stay there [at the top] for as long as possible. There are still a lot of games to play but that’s the beauty of it.”

Quite the afternoon!

17:35 , Matt Verri

More from Reiss Nelson...

17:29 , Matt Verri

“When the ball came out to me I was thinking ‘please give me one chance’,” he tells BBC Sport.

“I’m buzzing, really happy. I controlled it with my right foot and it came onto my left.

“We need moments like this if we want to go all the way. We’re not looking at any other team at the minute. We are focusing on ourselves. We will keep going day-by-day, game-by-game. As an Arsenal fan, I’m just delighted with the result.”

Arsenal maintain advantage

17:26 , Matt Verri

So, after all that drama, it’s as you were!

Arsenal remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and they’ve ticked off another game. There’s now 12 to go.

Who knows how this season will end, but that’s two pretty special comebacks for Arsenal in the space of a couple of weeks.

Some reaction from Reiss Nelson

17:18 , Matt Verri

“It’s amazing. When the ball came out to me I eyed it up. Everyone went crazy when it went in.

“It’s a great moment for me. I have been here all my life and it means a lot to me. I’m just happy. I’m delighted.”

Super sub...

17:13 , Matt Verri

Reiss Nelson 8 | Star player

The unlikeliest of heroes. Off the bench to setup a goal and score the winner with basically the last kick of the game.

Read our full player ratings here!

Crazy scenes at the Emirates!

17:07 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:00 , Matt Verri

Not often you see Arteta like this. He just jumped up into Odegaard, who picked him up and hugged him.

FT: Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth

17:00 , Matt Verri

That’s the final whistle!

Arsenal with a stunning comeback to somehow take all three points, a truly extraordinary finish at the Emirates!

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:58 , Matt Verri

Utter carnage here. Players and staff on the pitch. Nelson being mobbed. Arteta running down the touchline.

GOAL! Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth | Reiss Nelson 90+7'

16:57 , Matt Verri

ARSENAL HAVE WON IT WITH THE FINAL KICK! INCREDIBLE.

ARTETA ON THE PITCH... EVERYONE ON THE PITCH!

16:56 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: Odegaard into space, shot is a powerful one but straight at Billing.

Partey then sees the ball bounce off him and behind for a goal-kick. That could be that for the Gunners.

16:54 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: Arsenal staying patient, not trying any wild shots from distance.

Nelson shifts it onto his right foot, tries his luck from just outside the area. Comfortable for Neto.

16:52 , Matt Verri

90+2 mins: Time is running out for the Gunners.

Wide to Nelson, onto his left foot and low cross into the box. Hacked away. Bournemouth a few minutes away from picking up a point.

16:50 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Arteta wants seven minutes added on - he gets six.

Saka takes the corner short to Zinchenko, trying to work the space for a shot. Can’t. White puts it into the box, Neto dives on it.

16:47 , Matt Verri

87 mins: Saka on the edge of the box, cutting inside and out and eventually gets the shot away. Another corner.

Brief handball appeals, the most hopeful of the match. The 15th corner coming up.

Nelson at the back post keeps it alive, comes back to Zinchenko. Odegaard then goes for goal from 25 yards out, well over. Poor decision.

16:43 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Half-chance, as Nelson’s cross is cleared only to the edge of the box.

Drops for Saka, who scuffs his effort well wide under pressure. Another Arsenal change, Xhaka on for Vieira.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:41 , Matt Verri

Pure carnage here to be honest. Handball shouts, VAR checks and Arsenal lobbing everything at Bournemouth. 10 minutes to go...

16:40 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Nelson away down the left again, cuts inside brilliantly. Lifts the ball to the back post, Odegaard’s shot is blocked by Senesi and behind. Hopeful appeals for handball ignored.

VAR checking it though. Still we wait.

From the corner, there is another appeal! Billing the man under scrutiny this time. Again Arsenal out of luck.

16:38 , Matt Verri

78 mins: Another Arsenal corner taken short, comes to Vieira in space just outside the box. Miles over the bar.

Home fans continue to jeer Neto who is taking his time over these goal-kicks. Would be a very brave referee to give him a second yellow for time wasting!

16:35 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Martinelli driving through the middle, so strong to get there first but he lifts the strike just over the bar!

Stephens couldn’t keep up with him, Brazilian unable to keep the finish down though.

16:33 , Matt Verri

73 mins: Emirates in full voice, Arsenal are absolutely flying now. Relentless pressure.

Gabriel wide to Nelson, who is full of energy. Worked to the opposite flank, Saka with brilliant feet.

Hammered towards goal from a tight angle, cleared away! This is chaotic.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:31 , Matt Verri

Not a bad time for Ben White to score his first goal for Arsenal. The Emirates is rocking again. Bournemouth look like they are tiring.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth | Ben White 69'

16:30 , Matt Verri

Nelson is on for Arsenal, with Smith Rowe making way He was the man brought on in the first half for Trossard.

AND ARSENAL HAVE GOT THEMSELVES LEVEL!

Nelson immediately involved, fires the ball across the face of goal and White is there at the back post! Neto looks to have saved, but the referee say it’s crossed the line!

16:27 , Matt Verri

67 mins: Crowd right up for this again, Arsenal piling on the pressure. Martinelli thinks he’s been shoved in the box, appeals waved away.

Ball dinked over the top, Saka unable to keep it in play and it bounces behind for a goal-kick.

16:25 , Matt Verri

65 mins: Neto with some combination of pretending he’s hurt and insisting he was fouled at the corner. Earns a yellow card.

Straight from kick-off again, Solanke almost makes it 3-1. Gunners so shaky at the back when they’ve been challenged.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:23 , Matt Verri

Arsenal with a lifeline. Arteta trying to keep his head, though, and pulls Vieira for a chat. Still time here for the hosts.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth | Thomas Partey 62'

16:22 , Matt Verri

Saka has the ball out on the right, driving towards the box. Fires the cross into the six-yard box, Stephens very nearly boots it into his own net!

Inches away. Corner it is. Saka swings it in, Neto punches it straight up. Smith Rowe back in... AND PARTEY SCORES!

There at the back post to volley home and it’s game on!

16:19 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Odegaard slips as he goes for goal, before Vieira makes a mess of his shot from the edge of the box.

Arsenal continue to be kept at bay, for all their build-up has been decent enough. Can’t create anything like a clear-cut chance at the moment.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:18 , Matt Verri

I think you could probably hear the cheers in Manchester after the goal. Far too easy again as Senesi waltzed in to head home.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 Bournemouth | Marcos Senesi 57'

16:17 , Matt Verri

HUGE PROBLEMS FOR ARSENAL NOW!

Corner whipped in, Senesi gets up well and heads past Ramsdale! Wow.

16:16 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Martinelli briefly thinks he’s in behind, Neto miles off his line but just about gets a touch on it as Martinelli looks to knock the ball past him.

Partey then again gives away a free-kick. Up come the Bournemouth defenders. Brilliant ball in, Stephens misses it but it’s behind for a corner.

16:14 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Arsenal fly forward on the break, Saka finds Martinelli.

The Brazilian has numbers up with him as he drives into the box, goes for goal instead and sends a relatively tame effort high and wide.

Not sure that was the best decision.

16:13 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Mood inside the Emirates is very much one of frustration. Neto taking his time at every opportunity, and Partey then gives away a needless free-kick.

Bournemouth send it long into the box, Gabriel heads it away.

16:11 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Saliba intercepts a pass forward and gets Arsenal straight back on the attack. All coming down the right for the Gunners, with Odegaard drifting out there alongside Saka.

The Arsenal captain tries his luck from the edge of the box, straight at Neto.

16:09 , Matt Verri

49 mins: Saka nearly played in from that short corner, has to settle for another one.

This time it’s whipped in, too much on it though and Bournemouth let it go at the back post. Arteta trying to encourage his side.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:08 , Matt Verri

Odegaard has a cross cleared for a corner and turns to the crowd, gesturing for them to raise the volume. They respond.

Arsenal need a fast start to this half.

16:07 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Arsenal again lose it in midfield and look very exposed, this time Partey gets across to win the ball back.

You’ll not be surprised to hear that the pattern of the match is exactly the same. Bournemouth with very little interest in touching the ball.

Back underway!

16:05 , Matt Verri

Up and running again at the Emirates.

White on for Tomiyasu at the break. Arsenal need to turn this around.

16:00 , Matt Verri

Arsenal have had 85% possession, completing 352 passes. Bournemouth have made 35.

It’s 14 shots for the Gunners, nine corners... dominant looking at the stats. None of that matters though!

For all Arsenal have pushed Bournemouth back, the visitors have still looked a threat on the counter. Could easily have scored a second.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:55 , Matt Verri

Visitors ahead after taking the lead inside 10 seconds. Arsenal then struggled to break Bournemouth down, who have defended well in numbers.

Not gone Arsenal’s way, penalty shout turned down and Trossard off injured. Massive 45 minutes to come.

HT: Arsenal 0-1 Bournemouth

15:50 , Matt Verri

Bournemouth lead at the Emirates, after Billing put them in front with nine seconds played. Yes, nine.

Since then it’s been Arsenl dominance, but they’ve been kept at bay. The visitors have offered the occasional threat on the break too.

Big 45 minutes to come for the Gunners.

15:48 , Matt Verri

45+1 mins: Got to be just over 25 yards out. Partey fancies it too.

He runs over it, Odegaard goes for goal and it’s a pretty terrible effort. Arsenal are going to have to do their work in the second-half.

15:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Tomiyasu down in the box, Arsenal fans appeal... none of the players do. Tells you all you need to know.

This is a foul though, free-kick to the Gunners. Three minutes added on at the end of the half, as Odegaard stands over this.

15:46 , Matt Verri

44 mins: Arsenal finding themselves in real problems on the counter. Again Solanke is away, Ouattara up with him but the striker can’t find his team-mate in the middle.

It’s yet another corner at the other end, Arsenal have been poor from these so far. And again. Saka unable to beat the first man.

15:43 , Matt Verri

42 mins: Corner number seven for Arsenal.

Saka short to Vieira, who finds Smith Rowe and his effort is blocked. Drops for Martinelli, doesn’t catch hold of his shot either.

Loops up for Neto, who will take his sweet time over this!

15:42 , Matt Verri

41 mins: Bournemouth continue to slow things down at every opportunity, Emirates is getting duly frustrated.

Tomiyasu played in behind, lovely pass and he gets to the byline. And he then shanks it straight out of play. Woeful.

Not happening for the Gunners so far, with half-time approaching.

15:39 , Matt Verri

38 mins: Nearly another huge scare for Arsenal, as the ball is flicked on and Solanke briefly appears to be in on goal. Saliba quickly across to close him down though and wins the ball back.

At the other end, Zinchenko tries his luck and it’s deflected just wide. Out for another corner.

Odegaard takes this time, headed away at the near post.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:37 , Matt Verri

I literally just heard an Arsenal fan scream in frustration. The days of Wenger are back.

15:37 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Referee waves play on, VAR not interested.

Another nice Arsenal move is cut out when they hosts get into the box, Bournemouth defending really well.

15:35 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Clever pass from Partey to Odegaard, everything good coming through him. That cut back comes to nothing though.

On the opposite flank, Tomiyasu swings a cross in and there’s handball appeals as it drops in the box. Arsenal players are convinced... referee is not.

It definitely hit Mepham’s arm, VAR check coming up.

15:33 , Matt Verri

31 mins: Well, Bournemouth are a third of the way there. Job done perfectly so far. An hour left to hang on though, and they’re dropping deeper and deeper.

Saka slides it wide to Odegaard on the overlap, his cut back is blocked and that’s a corner.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:30 , Matt Verri

Credit to Bournemouth, they’ve defended excellently so far. So well organised and throwing themselves at everything.

Arsenal needing to be patient.

15:29 , Matt Verri

28 mins: Arsenal have to keep moving the ball quickly, Bournemouth have everyone back within 30 yards of their own goal.

Smith Rowe puts a cross into the box, easily headed out. Not sure this Gunners front-line is going to be winning many headers this afternoon.

Vieira looks to just run straight through the middle of the defence, very nearly does just that but Bournemouth scramble it away.

15:27 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Tomiyasu skips forward down the right, stands a great cross up to the back post but Mepham flicks it away as Smith Rowe comes charging in.

Arsenal have had 85% possession, completely dominant. That’s not counting for anything at the moment though.

15:25 , Matt Verri

24 mins: So it’s going to be Martinelli through the middle, Smith Rowe playing out on the left.

Odegaard tries his luck from the free-kick, over the wall but just wide. Neto always fairly confident that wasn’t going to trouble him.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:23 , Matt Verri

Huge cheers as Emile Smith Rowe comes on for Arsenal, but that is not what Arteta will have wanted.

Trossard off injured. The Gunners now have no fit strikers...

15:23 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Break in play, Arteta calls all his players over for a team talk. Very animated.

His side have looked incredibly vulnerable in transition, Bournemouth could easily be 2-0 up.

Looks the Gunners are going to have to make a change, with Trossard down. Smith Rowe getting ready to come on.

15:21 , Matt Verri

20 mins: Saka in behind, cut back is put behind for a corner. He takes that too, almost finds its way in at the near post!

Another corner coming up, Saka’s cross is charged down and here come Bournemouth on the break.

Billing is in behind, squares it for Ouattara who is completely free in the middle... HUGE SAVE! Ramsdale flies off his line to make the save when Bournemouth looked certain to score.

15:18 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Mepham too keen to close Trossard down, goes throught he back of him and that’s a free-kick.

Too far out for a shot, fairly central too for putting a cross into the box. Not a great position.

Odegaard standing over it, he clips it and Saliba nods it back across the face of goal. Hacked away.

15:16 , Matt Verri

15 mins: Partey caught on the ball in midfield, decent chance for Bournemouth to break but the pass from Billing is too heavy.

Zinchenko leads the Arsenal charge, black shirts quickly back into position though and making it difficult for the hosts.

15:14 , Matt Verri

13 mins: Bournemouth have barely had a touch since that goal, but they don’t care. Sitting deep in their shape and looking solid enough for now.

Zinchenko clips a ball over the top to Vieira who has made a good run into the box, looped back towards the penalty box and Neto eventually claims it.

15:12 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Trossard drifts out to the right this time, played in down the side of the Bournemouth defence.

Chops inside, whips a cross into the box but too much on it for Martinelli at the back post.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:11 , Matt Verri

Unsurprisingly it’s been all Arsenal since the goal and they’ve responded well. Odegaard has been especially bright, demanding the ball to try and get the hosts going.

15:10 , Matt Verri

9 mins: Neto takes an absolute age over a goal-kick, home fans less than impressed. That’s a yellow card for time-wasting waiting to happen.

Trossard wide to Martinelli, into the box. Cut back to Vieira, plays it to Zinchenko and the door is slammed shut. Too intricate from the Gunners.

15:07 , Matt Verri

6 mins: And now Trossard wins a corner. Bournemouth being pinned right back.

Swung in towards Partey at the near post, headed out. Odegaard already seeing plenty of the ball, visitors need to get near him.

15:05 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Well then. Arsenal are swiftly back on the front foot, there was a roar from the home fans after that goal. They want an immediate response.

TWO BIG SAVES! Odegaard driving inside, low effort is parried out. Straight to Saka, he’s then denied from close range by Neto.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:03 , Matt Verri

A nightmare start for Arsenal. The players look shell-shocked. Unbelievable.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Bournemouth | Philp Billing 1'

15:02 , Matt Verri

OH MY WORD.

Bournemouth have scored after nine seconds! Straight from kick-off.

Work it wide, low cross into the box misses everyone and falls for Billing at the back post. Madness.

KICK-OFF!

15:00 , Matt Verri

Up and running at the Emirates!

14:58 , Matt Verri

Arsenal keep Bournemouth waiting, eventually emerge though. Ramsdale with a big smile on his face as he glances over to the Bournemouth team, up against his former club here.

Players out onto the pitch, kick-off coming up in a few minutes.

Here we go...

14:55 , Matt Verri

Players are in the tunnel at the Emirates.

Atmosphere has been so impressive at the stadium all season, more of the same to come here you’d expect.

Teams will be out any minute now!

Not long now!

14:50 , Matt Verri

Kick-off coming up in about ten minutes.

Continuation of a huge month for Arsenal, with the return of the Europa League for them on Thursday night and a run of fixtures in the Premier League that, on paper at least, look fairly favourable.

Got to make that count on the pitch.

Home comforts again for Arsenal?

14:45 , Matt Verri

Arsenal have been so impressive at the Emirates this season, with last month’s defeat to Manchester City the only time they have been beaten at home in the League.

Otherwise it’s been pretty much perfect from the Gunners. The introduction of Leandro Trossard as a false nine in recent weeks has helped get things going again in attack, far more movement and flexibility up front now.

Basically... it’s all looking good for Arsenal!

Arteta hails Saliba’s impact

14:40 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta has praised William Saliba for answering every question he had about his ability to make it at Arsenal.

Saliba joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 from Saint-Etienne for £28million, but he then spent the next three years out on loan. The centre-back finally returned to Arsenal this summer and Arteta has revealed the 21-year-old swiftly won him over.

“The first question was how the player is going to reintegrate into our dynamic after being out for so long,” said Arteta.

“Is there some frustration there, something personal between, for example, between me and the player because he could not understand that?

“Or his environment, his expectations coming back or the amount that we paid for him, his age, is it the same to do it in France as it is to do it in this League for Arsenal because you don’t have 21-year-old defenders at the top level in England?

“There were a lot of question marks and he went with all of them, ticking them off and giving us every reason to be confident that he was a great player for us.”

Boost for Bournemouth...

14:35 , Matt Verri

End of an era

14:29 , Matt Verri

The Arsene Wenger era at Arsenal really is over, as proved by this stat from Opta Joe.

This Arsenal lineup this afternoon is the first without a player to have made a competitive appearance under Arsene Wenge since January 22, 1986. That came in the League Cup against Aston Villa.

Crazy.

The gap is down to two...

14:26 , Matt Verri

Manchester City have beaten Newcastle 2-0 in the lunchtime kick-off.

Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva with the goals, and City are now just two points behind Arsenal.

Obviously, the Gunners get their chance very shortly to move that advantage back to five points and they are strong favourites to do exactly that. We’ll soon find out!

Simon Collings at the Emirates

14:21 , Matt Verri

Famous last words, but feel like if there was ever a game you were going to start Odegaard and Vieira, then Bournemouth at home is it.

Arteta reveals superstitions

14:19 , Matt Verri

Safe to say Mikel Arteta will be wearing some very familiar clothes this afternoon.

The Arsenal boss has revealed his superstitious ways force him to wear the same clothes if his team are on a winning streak, and they have won their last three matches.

“Yeah, it is very methodical. I am a very methodical, routine person,” Arteta told the Daily Telegraph during a wide-ranging interview.

“When we are winning, I don’t like to change my clothes, I like to maintain exactly the same jumper, trousers and shoes as before. If we lose, I change to something different.

“I think at a high performance level, you have to be consistent, things are demanding, you want to be detailed and precise. But at the same time you need to leave some room for creativity. I love that mixture.”

Simon Collings at the Emirates

14:13 , Matt Verri

Three changes for Arsenal

14:07 , Matt Verri

Arteta shuffles his pack somewhat. Vieira and Partey come into the midfield, with Xhaka and Jorginho dropping to the bench. There’s a change at right-back too, with Tomiyasu in for White.

No Nketiah in the squad due to his injury, so Trossard continues as a false nine.

For Bournemouth, two changes. Semenyo and Rothwell come in for Traore and Lerma, as they look to pull off a shock result.

Bournemouth team news

14:02 , Matt Verri

Bournemouth XI: Neto, Smith, Mepham, Stephens, Senesi, Zemura, Ouattara, Rothwell, Billing, Semenyo, Solanke.

Subs: Travers, Fredericks, Cook, Christie, Randolph, Stacey, Moore, Anthony, Pollock.

Arsenal team news

14:01 , Matt Verri

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Vieira; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

Subs: Tierney, White, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Holding, Jorginho, Nelson, Turner, Xhaka.

Team news coming up!

13:57 , Matt Verri

We’ll have the full team news with you in the next few minutes.

Sounds like there are a few changes for Arsenal... more on that very shortly!

Arteta on Bournemouth threat

13:51 , Matt Verri

“I watched the games they played against Brighton, Wolves, Newcastle and Man City,” the Arsenal boss said yesterday.

“I’m really impressed by what they are doing. They are really aggressive, they haven’t conceded many in those games and they could have had different results in two of those four games.

“Against Man City, [City] showed some quality when they opened up, when finishing the actions to make the score really big, but it was a really competitive match again.”

Arsenal in the building!

13:46 , Matt Verri

Odegaard: No complacency from Arsenal

13:40 , Matt Verri

Martin Odegaard has insisted there will be no complacency in the Arsenal ranks this afternoon, even if they are huge favourites.

Most expect the Gunners to sweep Bournemouth aside in the same manner as Everton were beaten in midweek, but the Gunners captain is taking nothing for granted.

“We have to keep on doing what we are doing, and carry on from the second half against Everton, and hopefully get the win again,” Odegaard has written in his captain’s notes.

“We are confident but focused going into this game. If I felt at all that any of the players were starting to feel complacent, then of course I would say something.

“But I think the way the team is now, the mentality, and also what the coaches are giving us – the focus is there.”

Jesus “not far” from return

13:34 , Matt Verri

Gabriel Jesus is nearing a return to action for Arsenal, though it was a pretty vague update from Mikel Arteta in his pre-match press conference yesterday.

The striker is currently working outdoors on the grass, however he is not involved in full-contact training.

“He’s not far now,” said Arteta. “I don’t want to give a timeline but certain things are with the team and certain things are outside the team.

“He’s not very close but he’s not far at all. He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving. We are in a good place with him, I think.

“Knowing Gabi, he’s been through that before. His mentality is incredible and the team has done a really good job with him to put him in the position he’s in today.

“I’m saying we’re not far away but obviously he has to do much more with the team. Let’s see how the next week, 10 days develop and we’ll have a much better picture.”

“It’s the toughest test you can face"

13:26 , Matt Verri

White: No one is getting carried away

13:21 , Matt Verri

Ben White insists Arsenal’s squad is strong enough to cope with a packed fixture schedule.

This is the first of five games in 16 days for Mikel Arteta’s side, with the Gunners boss expected to rotate his squad. His ability to do so has been boosted by a strong start from January signings Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.

“I think anyone that is playing in this Arsenal team is good enough to be playing week in, week out,” defender White told Stadium Astro. “It’s great to have options.

“I had seen him (Trossard) at Brighton and the talent that he had. It’s nice to see it every week now. It was an amazing performance [to beat Everton 4-0 on Wednesday], a nice feeling.”

There are now just 13 games to go in the title race but, asked if Arsenal are feeling the pressure, White said: “No. We are just doing what we have done all season and we keep pushing. It’s nice being at the top, but no one is getting carried away.”

Last time they met

13:14 , Matt Verri

It was a breeze for Arsenal when they faced Bournemouth back in August, long before the pressure of a title race had kicked in.

The sun was out, the pink kit was out, the William Saliba chant was sung for about half an hour non-stop... feels a long time ago!

Martin Odegaard scored twice in the opening 11 minutes, before Saliba made sure of the result after the match. Easy work.

As it stands...

13:09 , Matt Verri

Arsenal went into the weekend five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Manchester City are in action in the early kick-off, and they’re currently 1-0 up against Newcastle in the first-half of that match. Should it stay like that, Pep Guardiola’s side will close the gap to two points.

Pressure then turns back to the Gunners, who are well-fancied to ensure that advantage is not cut into this weekend.

Arsenal rise to goal challenge

13:03 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta is famed for his non-negotiables — and scoring plenty of goals is one of them. The Arsenal boss believes a team needs to score between 90 and 100 times to compete for the title, and his players have risen to the challenge this season.

The Gunners have scored 56 goals in the Premier League, which is more than they managed during the entirety of Arteta’s first full season in charge. With 13 games left, the pressure is ramping up. But Arsenal appear unfazed and look in formidable form, having won three games on the spin.

They are easing the pressure on themselves by sharing the burden, especially when it comes to hitting Arteta’s target of 100 goals. The Gunners have had 13 different scorers in the League this season, which is more than any other top-flight side. That is despite Arteta using a core group and keeping rotation to a minimum.

The narrative last season, and during the summer, was that Arsenal needed a 30-goal-a-season striker to boost their firepower, but instead everyone has stepped up. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both in double figures for League goals. If skipper Martin Odegaard scores on Saturday, he will join them.

Read Simon Collings’ full piece here

Standard Sport prediction

12:57 , Matt Verri

Arsenal - who have the second-best home record in the division - are well and truly back in the groove after that three-match wobble last month that briefly opened the door for City and have hit four goals twice in three games.

The confidence is flowing and they should have little trouble in dispatching of a struggling Bournemouth side that have shipped by far the most amount in the league so far this term.

Gary O’Neil’s Cherries have been largely dismal away from home, suffering eight defeats in 12 matches and conceding a whopping 32 goals in the process.

All signs point to a comfortable home win and another step towards a first title since 2004 for the Gunners.

Arsenal to win, 3-0.

Bournemouth team news

12:50 , Matt Verri

Bournemouth have a number of injury absentees at present, with the likes of David Brooks, Marcus Tavernier, Junior Stanislas and Matias Vina all sidelined.

Lloyd Kelly and Illia Zabarnyi are closer to returning, but it seems unlikely that either will be fit to feature this afternoon.

Lewis Cook is back from a knee injury however in a key boost for the visitors.

Arsenal team news

12:43 , Matt Verri

Arsenal are likely to be without Eddie Nketiah this afternoon.

The striker came on as a substitute during the 4-0 win over Everton on Wednesday and was seen limping at the end of the game. Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that Nketiah is a doubt to face the Cherries.

“We are assessing him,” said the Arsenal boss on Friday. “It’s a bit uncertain what will happen with him to be honest in the training sessions.

Asked if Nketiah could be out for the long-term, Arteta said: “Hopefully not.”

If Nketiah is out today then Leandro Trossard will once again lead the line for Arsenal. Arteta is likely to make only one change to the side who beat Everton in their game in hand, with Thomas Partey expected to replace Jorginho in midfield.

Gabriel Jesus is stepping up his return from post-World Cup knee surgery, though Mohamed Elneny is expected to miss the rest of the season with his own serious knee injury.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

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