Arsenal came through a real test to beat Bournemouth 3-2 and maintain control of the Premier League title race.
Gabriel’s error allowed Evanilson to open the scoring, before the Brazilian levelled things up with a sharp finish at the other end.
A second-half brace from Declan Rice appeared to set Arsenal on their way to a relatively comfortable victory, only for a brilliant Junior Kroupi strike to set up a grandstand finish.
Arsenal came through that and now sit six points ahead of Aston Villa and seven clear of Manchester City, who host Chelsea.
Matt Verri was at the Vitality Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...
David Raya 7
Had no chance for the two goals and otherwise very little to do. Confident with distribution even when Bournemouth pressed high.
Jurrien Timber 7
Struggled in the first half with Bournemouth getting plenty of joy down that flank, but sensational last-ditch challenge after the break denied Brooks a tap-in.
William Saliba 8
Most composed of the defenders. Confident up against Evanilson and just refuses to be rushed. Won all of his aerial duels and provided some much-needed calm.
Gabriel 6
Howler gifted Bournemouth the lead, playing a dreadful blind pass across the box. Atoned with leveller and brave when the crosses came in. Perfect man for seeing out a lead.
Some sloppy passes and beaten too easily by Semenyo more than once. Floated around the final third but not as effective in that role as Riccardo Calafiori.
Martin Zubimendi 6
Miles off the pace in first half with heavy touches and loose passes. Improved after the break but picked up a needless booking that left him less able to provide protection.
Declan Rice 9
Surprise return from knee issue and stepped up when it really mattered. Lovely low finish to put Arsenal in front and then in the right place to make it 3-1. Massive performance.
Martin Odegaard 8
Third straight match with an assist. Gorgeous pass through to Saka too for Rice’s second. Relentless off the ball too, making three tackles. Continues to lead from the front.
Noni Madueke 6
A strange mixture of unplayable and anonymous. Looked electric early on and his positive running led to the equaliser, but then faded badly. More needed defensively, too.
Viktor Gyokeres 6
Another match with no goals and minimal touches, but his battling and physical presence attracted four Bournemouth defenders to leave the space for Rice’s goal.
Gabriel Martinelli 5
Wasted chance to show why he should be getting the nod over Leandro Trossard. No real conviction when running at Jimenez and when he did beat him, the final ball was poor.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 66’) 5
Not quite as sharp compared to his recent cameos and lost the ball a couple of times when trying to bundle through.
Bukayo Saka (Madueke 66’) 7
Immediate impact when perfectly picking out Rice. Curled an effort over the bar when cutting inside. Some option to have off the bench.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 66’) 6
Unlucky not to start after recent form. Worked hard and kept hold of the ball well to help see out the match.
Mikel Merino (Odegaard 80’) 6
Effective enough after being brought on to bolster the midfield late on.
