Rice returns to fire Arsenal six points clear
Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Declan Rice's second-half brace sealed a dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth.
Rice was absent from Arsenal's thumping midweek win over title rival Aston Villa, but he returned to action with a bang as the Gunners held out during a nervy finish.
Arsenal weathered an early storm from Bournemouth as it looked to take control, only for an uncharacteristic error from Gabriel gifting the Cherries a 10th-minute lead.
After attempting to play a first-time pass across Arsenal's backline, Gabriel got his angles all wrong and presented the ball to Evanilson, who rolled the ball beyond David Raya.
But no sooner after handing Bournemouth the lead, Gabriel hauled his side level with a thumping finish in the 16th minute after good work from Noni Madueke down the right.
"It showed the character of Gabriel to make the mistake and then how he played for the rest of the game," Rice said.
"It showed the mentality of the team. Key thing was three points and we are building momentum."
The Cherries had the better of the chances during an impressive first-half display, but found themselves behind nine minutes after the restart when Rice swept the ball home.
Bukayo Saka then made an impact off the bench with his dazzling run ending with a pull-back to Rice, who finished past Djordje Petrovic with 19 minutes of the match remaining.
However, a Bournemouth substitute also made his mark in the 76th minute when Junior Kroupi sent a stunning effort into the bottom corner, but it proved to be just a consolation.
Arsenal's strength in depth was underlined as Arteta sent on substitutes Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Saka with around 20 minutes to go and it was Saka who teed up Rice for his second.
"Declan Rice was struggling the last few days but pushed and pushed and pushed and made himself available," Arteta, whose side has lost once in its past 17 league games, said.
"He played 96 minutes, scored two goals and was one of the best players on the pitch. That is the mentality we need from all of us."
