AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final ...
A general view of Vitality Stadium (Getty Images)
Follow live coverage as AFC Bournemouth face Arsenal today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
AFC Bournemouth 2 - 0 Arsenal FC
19:38
Bournemouth blow a hole in Arsenal's Premier League title challenge, as the Cherries record a merited 2-0 win over the 10-man Gunners. Having hardly impressed during the first half-hour, Arteta's side went a man down for the third time this season, as Saliba was sent off for tripping Evanilson after an intervention by the VAR. Raya made a couple of smart stops to keep them on level terms, but eventually they cracked: with 20 minutes remaining, substitute Christie fired home the opener following a clever set-piece routine. Soon after, Raya conceded a penalty that was coolly converted by Kluivert, wrapping up Bournemouth's second victory over Arsenal to date. The hosts' final of xG of 1.66 to their visitors' 0.58 accurately reflects how events played out on England's south coast. After missing an opportunity to take top spot in the table, Arsenal face a busy week ahead: first they must meet Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, before hosting top-flight leaders Liverpool; meanwhile, Bournemouth will be back in action against Aston Villa next weekend. That's all from today's live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:28
FULL-TIME: BOURNEMOUTH 2-0 ARSENAL
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:27
Bournemouth's only previous win versus Arsenal came back in January 2018, also at the Vitality Stadium. They will celebrate this one heartily tonight.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:25
After a quickly taken free-kick opens up some space on the right wing, Arsenal then gift possession back to Bournemouth by slinging in another sub-par delivery. Kepa comes off his line to cleanly pluck it out of the evening air. Cue more cheers from the Cherries' fans.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:23
A minimum of five minutes will be added for stoppages, as Arsenal continue to drive forward in search of a goal that would reduce their deficit. It's been a dismal day for the Gunners, who will stay third in the Premier League table.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:21
Taking on at least four defenders on the edge of Bournemouth's box, Gabriel Jesus manages to wriggle into a shooting position, but the ball is then stolen away from him at the last second. Arsenal have only produced one shot on target so far today.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:19
An inviting cross from the left by Rice is headed against Havertz by Kerkez, and the ball rebounds away for a goal-kick to Bournemouth. The hosts are within minutes of securing a memorable victory, following three defeats in their last four games.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:17
After arriving unexpectedly on the left wing, Gabriel's cross is collected safely by Kepa. Even that simple act is cheered to the rafters by the home fans, who are joyous about how this game has panned out. Three points are incoming.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:13
Substitution Francisco Evanilson de Lima Barbosa Enes Ünal
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:11
PENALTY FOR BOURNEMOUTH! A day to forget for Raya continues in calamitous style: Arsenal's goalkeeper brings down Evanilson in the area, and the referee points straight to the spot! If the hosts convert this, it's surely game over!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:10
Substitution Mikel Merino Zazón Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:10
Substitution Jakub Piotr Kiwior Gabriel Fernando de Jesus
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:09
Penalty Goal Justin Dean Kluivert
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:09
After Senesi sees off Partey's attention at the back post, Semenyo seizes the ball and shoots first time. However, he hammers it high over the bar and into the stand.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:08
Christie's second Premier League goal - in his 77th appearance - has set Bournemouth on the right path to topple Arsenal for just the second time ever. Opta's live win-predictor has their chances of victory at 82% now. Arsenal? Just 2%.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:02
SUPER STOP! Kepa keeps the scores level! When Martinelli is played through on the edge of the area, the substitute takes aim for goal before shooting low and hard. Bournemouth's goalkeeper reacts by making a crucial blocking save!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:01
Assist Justin Dean Kluivert
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal19:00
Goal Ryan Christie
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:59
Following a free-kick down the left, Martinelli whips in a threatening cross, which is headed behind by Senesi under plenty of pressure. Then, Merino nods a tame header in the general direction of Bournemouth's goal from Rice's corner.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:58
Yellow Card Benjamin William White
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:55
Substitution Leandro Trossard Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:54
Substitution Marcus Joseph Tavernier Ryan Christie
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:54
Substitution Alex Jay Scott Justin Dean Kluivert
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:54
Substitution Dango Aboubacar Faissal Ouattara Luis Fernando Sinisterra Lucumí
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:54
Once again, Outtara wriggles free of White near the touchline. He whips another dangerous ball in, with plenty of curl, but it sails just over his team-mates' heads. That could be a route to keep exploiting for the home side.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:52
Yellow Card Antoine Serlom Semenyo
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:52
Outtara's latest delivery from the left is headed partly clear by Calafiori, before Bournemouth recycle the ball and send another cross into the area. Tavernier meets it first, but his header glances well wide of the left-hand post.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:50
When Ouattara slings over a cross from the left touchline, Raya comes out to intercept it just ahead of Semenyo; however, he spills the ball. Arsenal clear the danger eventually, but it's been an erratic performance from their number one goalkeeper today.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:47
Having withstood some pressure, Arsenal are retaining possession with some crisp passing in midfield. They will perhaps hope to keep Bournemouth at arm's length, before striking either through a quick counter-attack or a set-piece.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:45
Arsenal have gone 16 games without defeat across all competitions - their last reverse came back in April, versus Bayern Munich - but that streak is under serious threat today. Bournemouth are back on top, and they still have around 40 minutes to find a winner with one extra player.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:43
An outswinging corner is sent over from the right by Rice, and Havertz leaps well to reach it inside Bournemouth's box. However, the latter's header lacks any control and flies well off target.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:41
Evanilson is left frustrated, as Raya manages to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal kick. Aside from his role in Saliba's sending off, Bournemouth's central striker has not been involved as much as he'd like. With space opening up as the second half progresses, that could soon change.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:39
MISS! Semenyo shoots over the top from 10 yards out, after being left totally unmarked and drifting in from the right! He spurns one of the best chances of this match so far, and Arsenal breathe a big sigh of relief!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:36
Bournemouth kick off, and we are back under way at the Vitality Stadium!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:35
Substitution Julián Vicente Araujo Zúñiga Adam James Smith
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:30
Arsenal have won just three of 18 Premier League games in which they've received a red card since Arteta's first match in charge, drawing on eight occasions. It seems a tall order to add a fourth victory today - particularly without Saka and Odegaard - but they should be accustomed to playing with 10 men. Meanwhile, Bournemouth will have to figure out how best to unlock the Gunners' rearguard.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:28
A tight, tactical battle between Bournemouth and prospective Premier League leaders Arsenal reaches half-time goalless, despite the Gunners going down to 10 men when Saliba was sent off. After an almost event-free first half-hour, the defender was caught short by Evanilson, and after the VAR judged he had brought his Brazilian counterpart down, the referee changed his original decision from yellow to red. Raya then made a couple of sharp saves as Bournemouth piled forward, but the Cherries couldn't quite prise open their visitors' packed defence. The game remains very much in the balance, with Arsenal's xG at 0.19 to their hosts' 0.32 - as things stand, Liverpool will stay top of the table.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:21
HALF-TIME: BOURNEMOUTH 0-0 ARSENAL
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:20
Raya safely gathers a cross from the right, as 10-man Arsenal try to negotiate four minutes of stoppage time. Can they hold on until the break, and then come up with a new game-plan for victory?
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:19
Bournemouth's neat approach play comes to nothing, as Merino steals the ball deep inside his own half and sparks a counter-attack. At its end, the ball pops up fortunately to Partey just outside the box, but his volley flies wildly over the crossbar.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:17
It seems that Arsenal may be able to find their way to half-time with the scoreline still level, as Bournemouth's barrage since having an extra man appears to have eased. Still, the hosts are totally dominating the ball.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:14
SUPER STOP! Semenyo skins Kiwior and races into the area, crossing low towards several team-mates. Raya races out and initially fumbles it, before springing straight up to deny Tavernier at point-blank range! It's been an eventful first half for the goalkeeper, full of errors and redeeming saves.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:12
Since Arteta's first game in charge of Arsenal, on Boxing Day 2019, the Gunners have been shown 18 red cards in the Premier League - at least five more than any other side. In addition to their injury absentees, that lack of discipline could cost them dearly today.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:09
SAVE! After twisting inside and out, leaving Sterling trailing in his wake, Semenyo reaches the six-yard box and lashes a powerful shot at the target. Raya stands firm to block it away, but that was an excellent hit from a tight angle!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:08
Trossard links up with Sterling just outside Bournemouth's box, before a half-clearance from the latter's cross falls nicely for Merino. He fires a quick shot at goal, but it skids well wide of the right-hand post.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:08
Substitution Raheem Shaquille Sterling Jakub Piotr Kiwior
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:05
While Arteta mulls over the consequences of Saliba's dismissal, Rice has slotted in at centre-back, also aided from the right by White. Bournemouth take the initiative, earning themselves a corner, though it ultimately comes to nothing.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:03
VAR CHECK FOR A RED CARD! Midway through Arsenal's half, Saliba is caught out of position when Trossard makes a mess of a pass. He collides with Evanilson and brings the Brazilian down, earning himself a yellow card. However, the VAR intervenes, and asks the referee to have another look on the pitchside monitor!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal18:01
Red Card William Alain André Gabriel Saliba
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:59
Outtara is penalised for a push on Calafiori, as he attempts to lever his marker out of the way in an aerial challenge high up on the right flank. He's not yet had chance to run at the Italy international.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:59
Yellow Card William Alain André Gabriel Saliba
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:57
Zabarnyi boots away a testing cross from the left, then Calafiori hurls in a long throw. Havertz reaches it first, but Bournemouth are quick to smuggle the ball away and extinguish any Arsenal hopes of creating a chance.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:55
Faced by a lack of movement in the area, Sterling runs out of ideas and clips an aimless cross straight out of play. That sums up Arsenal's attacking efforts thus far, as their new-look lineup struggles to find any rhythm.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:53
After 20 minutes at the Vitality Stadium, Opta's live win-predictor has Bournemouth's chances of victory at just 21%, with Arsenal's standing at 52%. So far, though, the hosts have comfortably kept their illustrious visitors at arm's length.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:52
These teams' Basque bosses - who have known each other since childhood - are both known for their tactical ability. As a result, it's more of a cautious chess match than rip-roaring Premier League fare at the moment.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:50
An awful error by Raya gifts the ball straight to Scott just outside Arsenal's area, and the latter feeds it to Semenyo, who's arriving at pace. However, the winger's strike is wayward, sending the ball high over Raya's crossbar: the Gunners' Spanish goalkeeper waves his apologies and breathes a sigh of relief.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:47
When Semenyo slips Scott through into the box, Saliba is quick to shut him down and snuff out any danger. A combination of alert defending and sub-par attacking sees this game in the balance.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:45
Arsenal have won 10 of their 12 away Premier League games so far in 2024, with their only two failures both coming away to Manchester City. That sets the bar for Bournemouth, who have not beaten a top-half team since December of last year.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:43
Without Saka to take it, Rice sends over an outswinging corner from the right. However, Bournemouth deal with it quite comfortably, before play returns to midfield.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:42
Tavernier delivers another set-piece into Arsenal's area, but his low cross to the near post is cleared away from immediate danger. So far, the hosts have posed more threat in the final third than Arsenal, whose front line looks a little unfamiliar today.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:40
Calafiori rises highest to head away a threatening free-kick delivery from Cook, just as Outtara is poised to head the ball towards goal from inside Arsenal's six-yard box. It was smart defending from the Italy international, who has made quite an impression since arriving in London.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:39
Both teams have started brightly enough on England's south coast, as Arsenal chase the chance to take top spot in the Premier League - for a few hours, at least. Neither side is taking command so far.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:36
Today's game is just the fourth time Saka has missed a Premier League match for Arsenal since the start of the 2021-22 season, with the Gunners winning each of their three without him: 1-0 v Man City in October 2023, 2-0 v Luton in April and then 2-1 v Everton on the final day of last term.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:33
Arsenal kick off, and we are under way at the Vitality Stadium!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:33
The players are out on the pitch, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:30
Arsenal are without star man Saka due to an injury sustained on international duty with England, while Brazil winger Martinelli has also joined the Gunners' long absence list. Sterling and Merino both start, with Jurrien Timber, Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu all unavailable.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:30
Bournemouth make three changes to their starting XI, as Kluivert, Smith and Christie make way for Scott, Ouattara and Araujo. USA midfielder Adams is on the bench after returning from a back injury, and Kerkez starts at left-back despite pulling out of the Hungary squad.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:25
SUBS: Tommy Setford, Gabriel Jesus, Jakub Kiwior, Gabriel Martinelli, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Ismeal Kabia, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:25
ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White. William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino; Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:20
SUBS: Mark Travers, Dean Huijsen, David Brooks, Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams, Adam Smith, Luis Sinisterra, Justin Kluivert, Enes Unal.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:20
BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1): Kepa Arizabalaga; Julian Araujo, Illia Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi, Milos Kerkez; Alex Scott, Lewis Cook; Antoine Semenyo, Marcus Tavernier, Dango Ouattara; Evanilson.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:20
Arsenal can spend Saturday night at the top of the Premier League by beating Bournemouth, as Manchester City and Liverpool are not in action until Sunday. Mikel Arteta's men would rise to the summit by claiming maximum points on England's south coast, having posted four wins on the spin before international football intervened. The Gunners most recently saw off Southampton two weeks ago, and they are yet to lose in any competition this season.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:15
Bournemouth were beaten 1-0 by a previously winless Leicester City just before the international break, leaving them occupying 13th place in the Premier League table. Anoni Iraola's side suffered their third defeat from four amid a tough run of fixtures - the other two came against Chelsea and Liverpool. The Cherries' 3-0 loss to Arsenal in May represented their fourth straight setback against the Gunners, who have scored at least three times in all of those matches.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:05
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium!
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal17:01
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal15:30
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
