Ghanaian international Thomas Partey was among the scorers in a thrilling five-goal encounter between Arsenal and Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners welcomed the Cherries to the Emirates Stadium hoping to regain their five points lead over reigning champions Manchester City, who had defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at the Etihad earlier in the day, thanks to goals from Phil Foden and substitute Bernardo Silva.
A winner so late it even caught out our graphic! ????
THIS. TEAM. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h73gY16fFC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2023
Although they emerged as 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Partey, Ben White and supersub Reiss Nelson, Mikel Arteta’s side did not get off to a good start, as Bournemouth’s Philip Billing put the away team ahead inside the first minute to score the second-fastest goal in Premier League history.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka went close to levelling the scores in the 3rd minute, but Barcelona loanee Neto was on alert to keep their attempts out.
Bournemouth continued their impressive first-half as they went close again. This time, Billing was the provider, but his low cross to Burkina Faso forward Dango Ouattara was smothered away by Aaron Ramsdale in goal for Arsenal.
They doubled their lead in the 57th minute through Argentine defender Marcos Senesi. The former Feyenoord center back was left unmarked as he headed home Joe Rothwell’s cross from a corner.
Black Stars’ midfielder Partey finally got one back for the Gunners with a simple finish from inside the six-yard box. The former Atletico Madrid player dedicated his goal to former teammate Christian Atsu, who lost his life in the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February.
The strike was the 29-year-old’s third in the league this season and his first since a wonderful strike against Nottingham Forest in November 2022.
Eight minutes later, Three Lions’ defender White restored parity for the league leaders. The former Leeds United defender sent in a powerful strike following fine work down the left by substitute Nelson.
Nelson’s effort in stoppage time sealed the Gunners’ comeback and capped off his spectacular performance. The academy graduate sent in a left-footed strike from the edge of Bournemouth’s box in the 97th minute, much to the amusement of the home fans.
The win marked the first time Arsenal have won in the Premier League when they trailed by two or more goals since a 5-2 win over Tottenham in February 2012. It was also the second time in four games that they have won after going behind first.
They maintain their five-point lead over City at the top of the table, while Bournemouth slip to the bottom following Southampton’s 1-0 win over Leicester City.
