? Match Recap: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth – Cherries stun the Emirates!
It was a dramatic afternoon in North London as Bournemouth pulled off a massive 2-1 upset over Arsenal, derailing the Gunners’ late-season charge. Despite dominating possession at 53% and taking 12 shots to Bournemouth’s 8, Arsenal found themselves undone by the Cherries’ ruthless finishing and resilience.
? Stat Highlights
Arsenal edged Bournemouth in most statistical categories, holding 53% possession, creating 1.47 xG to Bournemouth’s 1.11, and recording more shots and touches in the opponent’s box. But Bournemouth’s clinical execution made the difference, with the Cherries converting their two highest-quality chances to steal all three points.
? Momentum & Key Moments
The expected goals battle revealed a tight contest, with Arsenal finishing on 1.47 xG compared to Bournemouth’s 1.11. Declan Rice gave Arsenal a deserved lead in the 34th minute, firing home a low strike from a high-quality position worth 0.44 xG. But Bournemouth clawed back in the second half. Dean Huijsen leveled the game in the 66th minute with a scrappy finish inside the box, and just eight minutes later, Evanilson pounced on Bournemouth’s best chance of the game to score the winner with a clinical effort valued at 0.53 xG. The momentum graph shows Arsenal’s sustained control throughout the first hour, but Bournemouth’s surge in the final third of the game flipped the narrative when it mattered most.
? Shot Analysis
Arsenal fired 12 shots, landing 4 on target, but struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Their shot map tells a story of frustration: plenty of efforts from just outside the six-yard box, but many under tight pressure and low-quality finishing positions. Declan Rice’s goal remained their clearest chance.
Bournemouth, by contrast, made the most of their opportunities. Their 8-shot total included 2 goals from just 4 shots on target, and both strikes came from prime central zones inside the penalty area, highlighting their efficiency in front of goal.
? Pass Map Breakdown
Arsenal’s pass map reflected their familiar buildup style, with Saliba and Partey orchestrating play from deep and funneling possession toward Saka and Ødegaard on the right flank. Martinelli provided width on the left, while Ødegaard tucked inside to link attacks.
Bournemouth’s pass map painted a more compact picture, with Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook forming a tight midfield pivot, supported by progressive options out wide in Kerkez and Tavernier. Evanilson stayed centrally as the key outlet, and Bournemouth’s transitions bypassed Arsenal’s press in key moments that ultimately decided the game.
? The Verdict
This was a bitter blow for Arsenal’s ambitions as they slipped up at home against a resolute Bournemouth side. The Gunners will be left ruing missed chances and half-openings that went begging, while Bournemouth will celebrate a day of perfect execution, leaving the Emirates with a famous win.