Track Tickets
Arsenal's pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004 hit the rocks with a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth. Without the injured Jurriën Timber, the Gunners looked vulnerable and now face an anxious wait to see if Manchester City can close the gap. Liverpool, meanwhile, ended a three-match losing streak with a 2-0 win over Fulham.
Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth: Title race blown wide open
Arsenal came into the match with tired legs after their midweek Champions League clash with Sporting CP. The absence of Jurriën Timber through injury proved costly, as the Gunners looked far from their best at the Emirates Stadium.
Bournemouth took full advantage. After just 17 minutes, youngster Eli Junior Kroupi gave the visitors the lead, finishing off a well-worked move. The Emirates fell silent.
Arsenal fought back and were level before half-time when Viktor Gyökeres converted from the penalty spot. But three substitutions at the break from a frustrated Mikel Arteta failed to produce the desired effect.
The sucker punch came in the 74th minute. Alex Scott found the net for Bournemouth, sending the travelling supporters into raptures and leaving Arsenal's title dream hanging by a thread.
The defeat means Manchester City have a golden opportunity to close the gap when they face Chelsea on Sunday. What seemed like a comfortable lead just weeks ago is now looking increasingly precarious.
Liverpool 2-0 Fulham: Slot's side bounce back
Liverpool desperately needed a positive result after a miserable run that had seen them lose three consecutive matches. Arne Slot's side had suffered in the Premier League, been thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup, and were beaten by PSG in the Champions League.
Against Fulham at Anfield, the spark returned. The intensity was back, second balls were won, and the key players stepped up.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute through an unlikely source. Seventeen-year-old Rio Ngumoha, signed from Chelsea for around €3 million two years ago, picked up the ball, beat his man, and curled a stunning strike into the far corner. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno had no chance.
Mohamed Salah, who had been benched against PSG, then produced a mirror image of the teenager's goal – this time from the right side – to make it 2-0.
Fulham threatened after the break but couldn't find a way back. The victory lifts Liverpool above Chelsea in the battle for fifth place, with the Blues facing Manchester City on Sunday.
Title race: City have a chance
Arsenal's defeat has opened the door for Manchester City:
| Pos | Team | P | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 34 | — | Lost today |
| 2 | Manchester City | 33 | — | Play Chelsea Sunday |
City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. A win would significantly close the gap heading into the final stretch of the season. The two title rivals meet in a direct clash on April 19 at the Etihad – a match that could decide everything.
Saturday's Results
- Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth (Gyökeres pen – Kroupi 17', Scott 74')
- Liverpool 2-0 Fulham (Ngumoha 36', Salah)
Dutch players update
- Jurriën Timber (Arsenal) – Missed the match through injury. His absence was keenly felt
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – Helped keep a clean sheet against Fulham
Sunday preview
All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side know they cannot afford to slip up again.
Also on Sunday: Tottenham Hotspur continue their fight against relegation when they visit Liverpool.
