Mikel Arteta has learned from his mistakes, and Arsenal look better-positioned to finally lift the Premier League trophy
14:50, 04 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal celebrates during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Bournemouth, England
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Mikel Arteta has learned from his mistakes(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal have been given a major boost to their hopes of finally clinching the Premier League. Declan Rice fired Mikel Arteta's side to victory against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday night, restoring the Gunners' comfortable lead at the top of the table.
The north Londoners have led the title race for much of the campaign, so the task at hand was no different. However, it was a landmark result on the south coast, and one which will give Arteta great confidence.
Arsenal have now won each of their previous four games in the English top flight, coming against teams they failed to beat last season. During the 2024/25 campaign, the Gunners banked just three points from a possible 12 against Brighton, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Everton.
Arteta's side were held to a 1-1 draw by the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium before losing 2-0 to the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium. The Villans also salvaged a point at the Emirates Stadium, as did the Toffees at Goodison Park.
Arsenal dropped nine crucial points last term, gifting Liverpool plenty of breathing space in the title race. In the equivalent four fixtures this season, the Gunners have waltzed away victorious.
The north Londoners are eight points better off at the same stage in 2024/25 and 2023/24. Arsenal have also won three more points than Liverpool managed in matchday 20 last season.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday evening
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Arsenal beat Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday evening(Image: (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images))
While the title isn't won in January, Declan Rice was aware of just how significant the victory on Saturday night was. Speaking to club media after the game, the Gunners midfielder said: "It’s a massive win.
“It’s a really tough place to come; we lost here last season. It was difficult the season before, so we knew what we were in for today. The manager made us well aware of that after not the best start.
"Then to show our character again and come back was massive, and to win 3-2 in the end was a massive result."
Declan Rice gestures as he speaks
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Declan Rice was in flying form against Bournemouth(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Rice, who missed the win over Aston Villa earlier in the week, continued: "But to miss that [game] was annoying; to come back today and help the team and score two, I think the fans will be really happy.
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"And I'm happy myself that I could help out, because this team's special and if we're all chipping in together, I'm sure good things will happen."
Arsenal will lock horns with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening as they look to exact their revenge following the defeat at Anfield in August. The Gunners will then face Portsmouth at Fratton Park in the FA Cup third round a few days later.
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