Arsenal’s dream of the top spot in the Premier League fell short of Bournemouth’s big surprise on Saturday night.
Arsenal lost their chance to rise even for a day to the top of the English Premier League, when middle-class Bournemouth caused a shock 2-0 defeat to the Londoners in the Saturday evening game.
The loss of three points is painful for Arsenal, because Liverpool and Manchester City in particular do not show mercy to their opponents.
Bournemouth plays in the smallest stadium in the Premier League, as its home arena can only hold more than 11,000 spectators. The supporters of the home team were delighted when Ryan Christie fired the ball into the goal from a fine corner kick pattern in the 70th minute. Less than ten minutes later Justin Kluivert scored the home team’s 2–0 goal from the penalty spot.
Arsenal played for over an hour with ten men, because the defense William Saliba was driven off the field in the 30th minute. Saliba, who was playing as the lowest man, knocked down the goal post Evanilson’s. The same Bournemouth striker was also awarded a penalty after the Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya threw himself at his feet in pursuit of the ball.
Saturday’s game day of seven matches returned the Premier League to the fields after the national team break. Premier League leader Liverpool and defending champion Manchester City will play their round-robin match on Sunday.
Results and table