LONDON, England: Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a significant blow following a desperate 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, reported PA Media/dpa.
Junior Kroupi handed the visitors a well-earned lead after 17 minutes before Viktor Gyokeres clawed a laboured Arsenal back into the game from the penalty spot.
However, Alex Scott restored Bournemouth’s advantage in the 74th minute and Mikel Arteta’s shell-shocked side failed to find a response of any sort.
Arsenal’s sobering loss hands Manchester City the chance to reduce the Gunners’ nine-point lead to six when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The two title rivals then meet at the Etihad next Sunday in a fixture now fuelled with even greater significance following Arsenal’s demise here.
Indeed, Arsenal’s third consecutive domestic defeat – following their League Cup final loss against City and FA Cup exit to Southampton – places major doubt over whether they will secure their first title in 22 years having finished runner-up for the past three seasons.
Arteta’s men were subjected to a rippling of boos at the final whistle. – BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa
