Arsenal Extend Lead At Top Of Premier League, Aston Villa Win

2026-01-04 02:08:16

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) AFP

London: Arsenal fought back from a goal down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 yesterday and stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League as Aston Villa extended their winning run at home.

Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and two from the returning Declan Rice sent the Gunners six points clear of second-placed Villa and seven ahead of Manchester City, in third spot.

Evanilson gave impressive Bournemouth the lead in the 10th minute on England's south coast, stroking home after an uncharacteristically sloppy pass from Gabriel.

But the Brazil defender made up for his error just five minutes later, converting after Noni Madueke's drive to the byline following a set-piece routine.

England midfielder Rice, who missed Arsenal's thumping 4-1 win against Villa in midweek with a knee problem, side-footed the Gunners ahead in the 54th minute.

And he gave them breathing space with about 20 minutes to go, producing a low finish from substitute Bukayo Saka's cutback.

Junior Kroupi brought Bournemouth back into the game with a stunning right-footed finish that flew into the top corner.

But Mikel Arteta's Arsenal held for a fifth straight Premier League win -- keeping them firmly on course for a first English title since 2004.

Earlier, Unai Emery's Villa bounced back from their chastening defeat at Arsenal to beat Nottingham Forest 3-1, recording their 11th consecutive home win in all competitions.

England forward Ollie Watkins gave Villa a deserved lead on the cusp of half-time with a powerful strike from just outside the area and John McGinn scored twice in the second half, either side of a Morgan Gibbs-White goal.

Sean Dyche's Forest, who have now suffered four straight league defeats, remain one place above the relegation zone, four points clear of West Ham, who slumped to a damaging 3-0 loss at Molineux.

Elsewhere yesterday, Brighton beat Burnley 2-0 to end a six-match winless run, courtesy of goals from Georginio Rutter and Yasin Ayari.

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