Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions suffered a damaging blow on Saturday as they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth, leaving Mikel Arteta’s men reeling ahead of a crucial European clash in midweek.
Declan Rice gave the Gunners an early lead with a smart finish, but goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson – both from set-piece situations – turned the game on its head and handed the Cherries their first-ever victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta was left furious with his side’s defending, branding their performance inside the penalty area as “very poor” and bemoaning missed opportunities to put the match beyond reach.
“We scored the goal and had four or five clear chances to score the second, but didn’t take them,” the Arsenal manager said. “Then, if you defend the box like we did in those two set-pieces, you’re going to get punished – and a team like Bournemouth will do just that.”
The Arsenal boss admitted the game descended into chaos following Bournemouth’s equalizer. “After that, it became rushed, very chaotic – exactly what they wanted. They had more energy than us, especially with a few players struggling in the final minutes. We couldn’t get the result we wanted, and I’m very disappointed.”
The winning goal, scored by Evanilson, came after a lengthy VAR check for handball. Despite the review, the goal was allowed to stand, leaving Arteta further frustrated. “It looks very different to the decision they made,” he said. “But that’s what they decided.”
With the Gunners now facing a battle to hold onto second place in the Premier League, attention must quickly turn to Europe, where they travel to Paris to face PSG in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. Arsenal trail 1-0 from the first leg.
Arteta hopes the sting of defeat will fuel a response in midweek. “We certainly wanted to create a positive vibe heading into Wednesday, but what we’ve created is frustration, rage, and a bad feeling in the stomach. Let’s use that. Let’s make sure we produce a massive performance in Paris, win the game, and reach the final.”
In a further blow, Arteta revealed that Jurrien Timber was not fit to play and remains a doubt for the trip to France. “Confident? At the moment no, because he wasn’t able to play here and we play in four days,” Arteta said, remaining tight-lipped on the nature of the issue.
Arsenal have now won just two of their last six league fixtures, and with the season entering its defining phase, the North London side can ill afford further slip-ups – domestically or in Europe.