Arsenal’s Premier League hopes took a hit with a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, a result Mikel Arteta called “a big punch in the face.”
Junior Kroupi opened the scoring for the visitors, Viktor Gyokeres equalised from the spot, but Alex Scott’s second-half strike sealed Arsenal’s second home loss of the season.
Despite holding a nine‑point lead over Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand.
Their clash at the Etihad next Sunday now looms as a potential title decider.
Arteta admitted the challenge is mental as much as physical, with key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sidelined.
Arsenal must regroup quickly ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting Lisbon.
