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The league leaders' mission for payback in recent days has continued. Following dismantling Aston Villa, it was Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth who felt the force despite receiving an early lead through a uncharacteristic Gabriel error.

Gabriel atoned by scoring to level, before Declan Rice celebrated a return from injury by netting a decisive brace as Mikel Arteta's side extended the gap at the summit in the title race.

The Arsenal manager promised his squad had learned from previous loss on this ground. Following a sloppy first-half, the signs suggested those lessons were lingering. However, a transformed performance in the second period, fueled by the midfielder's dominance, secured a fifth consecutive league triumph and sent a stern warning across the Premier League.

Shaky Start Met With Quick Reply

The day's results meant their lead trimmed before kick-off. The positive news, though, arrived with Declan Rice coming through a last-minute assessment. With an eye on a crucial clash against rivals, Arteta rotated, with Bukayo Saka and Trossard starting on the bench.

Bournemouth, unchanged, watched their forward nearly make an instant impact within seconds. Against the run of play, the opener fell to Bournemouth after a wayward Gabriel pass fell kindly to the striker, slotting home with ease.

Mikel Arteta's frustration was palpable, however it was the culprit who provided the response. After lively work on the wing, the ball broke to Gabriel, who lashed home a fierce left-footed finish to make it 1-1.

Rice Rises and Steer the Game

The opening half remained far from fluid for Arsenal, as striker Viktor Gyökeres isolated and the Bournemouth forward proving a constant menace. Frustration grew before the break, with Arteta exchanging words against their counterparts and heading off to the dressing room.

Whatever was said at halftime had a dramatic effect. Within a minute of the restart, neat interplay involving Gyökeres and Martin Ødegaard presented a chance to Declan Rice, whose powerful drive flew past the goalkeeper to complete the turnaround.

The England star had more to offer, grabbing his brace minutes later after a brilliant team move involving Saka and Ødegaard. He marked the goal affectionately to a pitchside camera, with the away side seemed to be in complete control.

Late Nerves Sees Out the Win

Bournemouth, refusing to give up, summoned a response. Substitute Kroupi struck a spectacular 25-yard drive which soared past David Raya to set up a frantic finale.

The Cherries pressed for an equalizer in the dying moments, with their fans furious when the final whistle was blown midway through a promising attack. For Arsenal and the victorious team, it was the only thing that counted: three more crucial points in a their championship challenge.