Arsenal disappoints against Bournemouth ahead of crucial game against PSG | OneFootball

Ahead of what promises to be a very tense UEFA Champions League semi-final clash, Arsenal disappointed their fans at the Emirates Stadium and left the field with a 2-1 Premier League defeat against Bournemouth. As a result, their lead over Manchester City dropped to three points in second place.

Unlike last time out, Mikel Arteta's side reduced the number of absentees from the starting line-up and only a few names were spared on the eve of the match against Bournemouth. In other words, Arteta has signaled that he would like to see Arsenal play with as much intensity as possible in order to renew the team's spirit.

Although they struggled to create chances, the Londoners controlled possession and used the left flank a lot, bringing on Martinell. The score was opened in the 34th minute, when Odegaard received space in midfield and Declan Rice was found in great depth, leaving Kepa behind to finish.

However, Arsenal relaxed too much after scoring and saw Bournemouth become more and more comfortable on the offensive field. After suffering a few scares in the first half, the Gunners found the going tough after the break because of the aerial ball, ironically their main feature this season.

In the 67th minute, Semeyo took a corner into the area and Dean Hujisen got there first to deflect the ball into the goal, leveling the score. And before the final whistle, Evanilson took advantage of a deflection from a corner kick and slotted in at the far post to beat the Gunners' slack marking and secure a comeback for Bournemouth.

Will Arsenal still have problems in the rest of the Premier League?

The defeat certainly has a negative emotional impact, not only in terms of the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against PSG, but also in terms of qualification for the UEFA tournament next season. Depending on the matchday, the Gunners could put themselves under pressure.