Arsenal open door to Man City in title race with defeat at home to Bournemouth

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a significant blow following a desperate 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the Emirates.

Junior Kroupi handed the visitors a well-earned lead after 17 minutes before Viktor Gyokeres clawed a laboured Arsenal back into the game from the penalty spot.

However, Alex Scott restored Bournemouth’s advantage in the 74th minute and Mikel Arteta’s shell-shocked side failed to find a response of any sort.

Arsenal’s sobering loss hands Manchester City the chance to reduce the Gunners’ nine-point lead to six when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The two title rivals then meet at the Etihad next Sunday in a fixture now fuelled with even greater significance following Arsenal’s demise here.

Indeed, Arsenal’s third consecutive domestic defeat – following their Carabao Cup final loss against City and FA Cup exit to Southampton – places major doubt over whether they will secure their first title in 22 years having finished runner-up for the past three seasons.

Arteta’s men were subjected to a rippling of boos at the final whistle.