Arsenal’s preparations for their crucial Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain took a hit on Saturday, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth.
Declan Rice gave the Gunners the lead with a first-half goal on his 100th appearance for the club, but Bournemouth responded strongly after the break. Dean Huijsen leveled the score before Evanilson completed the turnaround, earning the Cherries their first-ever away victory at the Emirates Stadium.
The loss comes just days after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. With the decisive return leg in Paris looming on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta’s side will need to raise their performance significantly.
Currently second in the Premier League, Arsenal also still require six points to secure a top-five finish and guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.
Arteta, who recently admitted it was “very painful” watching Liverpool celebrate their Premier League title triumph, is still seeking his second trophy in charge of Arsenal. His only silverware so far remains the 2020 FA Cup, and the Champions League represents the club’s final chance to lift a trophy this season.
Despite the high stakes ahead, Arteta fielded a strong starting XI against Bournemouth, including Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and William Saliba. Notably absent were Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino, with Timber set to undergo a fitness test before Wednesday’s decisive tie in Paris.
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