Arsenal slipped in the Premier League title race after the Gunners were stunned 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium by Bournemouth in an early kickoff game on Saturday afternoon. 

Mikel Arteta’s side could have gone 12 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, which still have two games in hand, but the Gunners came short of getting the job done. 

It was Junior Kroupi who opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the 17th minute when the unmarked midfielder tapped a loose ball into the net from close range.

However, Arsenal equalised in the 35th minute through Viktor Gyokeres from penalty. Ryan Christie had handled a cross into the box with his hand, prompting the referee to award a spot kick. 

In the 65th minute, Gyokeres thought he had given Arsenal the lead after firing home a pass slipped through several Bournemouth defenders. However, the goal was ruled out for offside. 

Instead, it was the visitors that regain their lead nine minutes later after Alex Scott, who went one-on-one with goalkeeper David Raya, calmly slotted home Evanilson’s pass into the box. 

Arsenal mounted pressure in search of at least an equaliser but the visitors successfully neutralised the Gunners’ attack to secure the maximum points. 

The Gunners remain top of the league with 70 points, nine above City. Pep Guardiola’s side will face Chelsea in a high-profile match on Sunday.