English Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal FC suffered a setback in the title race on Saturday after falling 2-1 at home to AFC Bournemouth in a dramatic early kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.

The defeat, which saw Arsenal concede in both halves, came despite a dominant spell of possession as the Gunners failed to convert their control into goals in a shock result that reignited questions about their home form.

Bournemouth struck first in the 13th minute when Eli Junior Kroupi poked home at the back post to silence the home crowd after Arsenal’s defence was caught off guard.

Arsenal responded in the 35th minute when Viktor Gyökeres converted from the penalty spot after a handball decision brought the hosts level before halftime.

Manager Mikel Arteta reshuffled his side, introducing Kai Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Martinelli in a bid to tilt the match, but Bournemouth’s high press continued to unsettle the home team.

The visitors eventually reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute through a well-worked move, with Evanilson slipping Alex Scott into space inside the Arsenal box. Scott finished emphatically to secure what proved to be the winning goal.

The result handed Bournemouth a historic first-ever league double over Arsenal, while the Gunners have now suffered three defeats in their last five domestic matches.

Despite the setback, Arsenal remain top of the table, holding a nine-point advantage over Manchester City, who have two games in hand, as the title race enters its final stretch.

For Bournemouth, the win ended a run of five consecutive draws and extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches, lifting them to ninth position as they continue their push for potential European qualification next season.

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