AFCON 2025
Arsenal now have a six-point lead over Aston Villa and seven over City after a narrow win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Gunners started the new year with win to extend their winning streak to five consecutive games.
Mikel Arteta’s men came from a goal down to seal the victory courtesy of Declan Rice’s second half brace.
Evanilson gave the Cherries the lead off Gabriel Magalhaes mistake in the 10th minute of action.
However, the Brazilian defender atoned for his mistake as he pounced on a rebound to give Arsenal the equalizer.
The first half ended a goal apiece with Bournemouth ending the first 45 minutes the better side.
However, English midfielder Declan Rice scored from similar scenarios to shoot the Gunners into a 3-1 lead before the last quarter of the enthralling tie.
Bukayo Saka came off the bench to provide Rice with the assist of his second goal on the night as the Gunners took charge of the tie.
Eli Junior Kroupi gave the Cherries a glimmer of hope to stage a comeback as he powered a long range strike into the back of the net in the 76th minute.
The tie ended with Arsenal opening a seven points lead over Manchester City who have a crunch tie with Chelsea on Sunday.
