Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not likely to take seriously anyone asking him to life Eberechi Eze off the reserve bench as his current toasts continue to deliver.
Eze hasn’t played a single minute in Arsenal’s last four games though he is not injured.
But on Saturday, Arteta’s winning list continued to be productive, with Declan Rice scoring twice as Premier League leaders Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth and strengthen their grip on top spot.
Arsenal fell behind early after defender Gabriel misjudged a blind pass across his box, allowing Evanilson to capitalise and fire Bournemouth into the lead in the 10th minute.
Gabriel redeemed himself six minutes later, rifling in the equaliser after Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was blocked, restoring parity for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Bournemouth threatened again, but Arsenal took control after the break when Rice struck from the edge of the area following a clever lay-off by captain Martin Odegaard in the 54th minute.
The England midfielder, returning from a knee injury, added his second after coming onto a Bukayo Saka cutback to extend Arsenal’s advantage in the 71st minute.
Teenager Eli Junior Kroupi briefly reignited Bournemouth’s hopes with a superb long-range strike, five minutes later, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.
The win made it five consecutive league victories for Arsenal, who moved six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa at the top of the table.
Arteta was encouraged by the result after rotating his squad, with regular starters Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard beginning the match on the bench.
Despite an uneven first-half display, Arsenal showed resilience, with Rice’s brace proving decisive in his first Premier League double.
Bournemouth extended their winless league run to 11 matches, though their attacking display again earned plaudits despite another narrow defeat.
The Cherries sit 15th, nine points above relegation, with teenage forward Kroupi emerging as a bright spot in a difficult campaign.
Arsenal next host Liverpool in a heavyweight league clash, while Bournemouth welcome Tottenham as they search for a long-awaited victory.
