Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.
Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.
Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.
DAVID RAYA – 5
Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.
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BEN WHITE – 4
England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 3
Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.
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William Saliba was sent off on the half hour markCredit: Rex
GABRIEL – 5
Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.
Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.
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Riccardo Calafiori tussles with Dango OuattaraCredit: Reuters
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.
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DECLAN RICE – 5
Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.
RAHEEM STERLING – 4
Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.
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Raheem Sterling had to make way shortly after Saliba’s red cardCredit: Getty
MIKEL MERINO – 5
Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.
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LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.
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Kai Havertz led the line for the GunnersCredit: Rex
Eblen—currently ranked No. 5 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings—is 15-0 in his MMA career. After winning the Bellator middleweight title from Gegard Mousasi in 2022, Eblen has since defended his title twice, including a win over Edwards just 13 months ago. Most recently, Eblen eked out a win over PFL light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay for the PFL Champion vs. Champion title back in February.
The brother of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, Fabian has not had quite the same level of success as “Rocky.” Recently though, the 31-year-old fighter has looked much improved, stringing together three wins to earn his shot at Eblen’s middleweight belt last year. In that fight, Edwards started strong but faded in the third round, but after a bounce back win in March, the Englishman hopes to finish what he started last year.
Rafael Nadal reflected on an “amazing rivalry” with Novak Djokovic and said he “would not be the player he is today” after losing their final meeting as professionals.
Serbia’s Djokovic beat the Spaniard 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in their third-place match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
The pair shared a warm embrace at the net at the end, while Nadal was presented with a golden tennis racquet as part of a post-match presentation in Riyadh.
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“Thank you very much for all of the moments we shared on court during all of our careers – we have had an amazing rivalry,” said Nadal in an interview conducted on court.
“You helped me to go over my limits so thank you for that, because without that, I would probably not be the player that I am today.”
Nadal will represent Spain in his final appearance at next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
“What I will miss is almost everything,” added Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slams in total.
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“It has been a dream come true to have been able to play for almost 20 years, being competitive and having the chance to play at the best places in the world.
“I realised my dream to become a professional tennis player and be a successful one. I can’t thank people enough for the support and the love I’ve received all around.”
Hughes (13-1) dropped McKee (22-2) early and fended off his grappling en route to a split decision win (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The lightweight bout was the main card opener at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In Round 1, McKee backed Hughes to a corner with a flurry. Hughes broke free and almost landed a flying knee. McKee grabbed a hold of him and worked for a takedown. Hughes broke free again and threw another big knee. It was clear what McKee’s game plan was as he attempted another takedown. Hughes reversed and wound up in top position. McKee worked for a leg lock. As he got up, Hughes landed a big knee, followed by a big overhand right which dropped McKee.
The pace slowed down in Rounds 2 and 3 as McKee pressed Hughes against the cage. Hughes broke free and threw a flurry. An accidental low blow by McKee caused a break in the action. Hughes attempted a big knee and slipped, allowing McKee to capitalize by grabbing a hold of him and keeping him down. Hughes spent the rest of the fight trying to fend off McKee’s grappling, but he outstruck him throughout and caused more damage for the win.
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With the win, Hughes made it seven straight and proceeded to call out Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
BIG WIN FOR BIG NEWS! He CALLS OUT USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV!
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