Arsenal endured a damaging setback in the Premier League title race on Saturday after a surprise 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.
The loss leaves the Gunners in a more precarious position at the top, with rivals Manchester City now nine points behind but holding two games in hand, starting with a crucial fixture against Chelsea on Sunday.
Manager Mikel Arteta was forced to cope without key players including Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard due to injuries, while Myles Lewis-Skelly made a rare league start.
Bournemouth struck first after a deflected cross from Adrien Truffert fell kindly to Eli Junior Kroupi, who tapped home at the far post to give the visitors the lead.
Arsenal struggled to find rhythm for much of the first half, with their only notable effort coming from Kai Havertz, who headed narrowly over from a corner delivered by Declan Rice.
The hosts eventually drew level in the 30th minute when a handball by Ryan Christie resulted in a penalty. Viktor Gyökeres stepped up confidently to convert and restore parity.
Despite the equaliser, Arsenal failed to assert dominance, with Bournemouth continuing to threaten through Alex Scott and Evanilson.
In search of a response, Arteta introduced Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and Max Dowman early in the second half. The changes briefly lifted Arsenal, as Rice forced a save from Djordje Petrovic, while a second goal from Gyökeres was ruled out for offside.
However, Bournemouth capitalised on a defensive lapse with 15 minutes remaining, as Scott pounced on a fortunate rebound to fire home the winner and stun the home crowd.
Arsenal pushed forward in the closing stages, but missed chances from Gyökeres and substitute Gabriel Jesus ensured the visitors held on for a famous victory.
To make matters worse for the Gunners, Gyökeres received a late booking that rules him out of their potentially decisive upcoming clash against Manchester City.
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