Report By Dr Talal Osman There was another twist in the Premier League title race as Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium. Alex Scott capped a mesmerising midfield performance by scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute, as Arsenal were punished for a largely lacklustre display. Mikel Arteta's team had fallen behind to Junior Kroupi's goal in the first half, only for a Viktor Gyokeres penalty to get them level after Ryan Christie’s handball. But the Gunners struggled to threaten from open play as the home fans grew frustrated, with Gyokeres missing their best chance for a second equaliser late on. Arsenal remain nine points clear of Manchester City, but their title rivals have two games in hand and are at home when the sides meet in a huge game on 19 April. Bournemouth's victory lifts them to ninth in the table. How the match unfolded Neither team had a shot until the 17th minute, when Christie found Adrien Truffert, and after the left-back's centre deflected off William Saliba, Kroupi pounced to steer home. Kai Havertz nodded Declan Rice's corner over, and it was another set-piece that led to the Gunners' equaliser 10 minutes before half-time. Rice's corner caused a scramble at the near post and Christie blocked Gabriel's shot with his arm, allowing Gyokeres to power the resulting spot-kick beyond Djordje Petrovic. But Arsenal did not kick on, and Gyokeres' penalty remained their only shot on target by the time the Swede finished a 1v1 after 65 minutes, only to be flagged offside. Bournemouth retook the lead in sublime fashion, as Evanilson showed great awareness to flick David Brook's pass into the path of Scott, who confidently beat goalkeeper David Raya. Petrovic's poor punch almost gifted Arsenal a leveller, but Gyokeres could only skew wide. Gabriel Jesus had a header tipped over, but Bournemouth saw out a potentially pivotal result.
