Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal, Premier League 2025-26: Rice Double Helps Gunners Open Up Six-Point Lead

Declan Rice proved why he's a leading candidate to be the Premier League's player of the season by inspiring Arsenal to a come-from behind victory at Bournemouth that opened up a six-point lead on Saturday (January 3, 2026). The England midfielder scored two second-half goals — with almost identical low, side-footed finishes — in a 3-2 win on the south coast. Rice was a doubt for the match because of a knee injury that forced him out of the 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday. He was fit enough to return and was the difference between the teams.

Updated on: 4 January 2026 6:38 pm

Arsenal's Declan Rice greets fans after the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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Arsenal's Bukayo Saka takes a shot during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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Britain Premier League Soccer: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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English Premier League: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Arsenal's Mikel Merino takes a shot during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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English Premier League: Arsenal vs Bournemouth

Bournemouth's players argue with referees after the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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English Premier League Soccer Match: Bournemouth vs Arsenal Declan Rice

Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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English Premier League 2025-26: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Arsenal's William Saliba, right, heads the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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English Premier League 2025-26: Arsenal vs Bournemouth

Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi shoots to score his sides second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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Britain Premier League Soccer: Arsenal vs Bournemouth

Bournemouth's goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic clears the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant

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English Premier League Soccer Match: Arsenal vs Bournemouth

Arsenal's Declan Rice, right, challenges Bournemouth's James Hill during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England. | Photo: AP/Alastair Grant