Stats to Watch Ahead of Arsenal vs Bournemouth as Gunners Seek to Extend Lead to 12 Points

The clash between City and Arsenal next weekend could gain greater importance if results swing positively for the Gunners this weekend. With Mikel Arteta’s team on the brink of clinching their first league title in 22 years, the upcoming matches are arguably among the most pivotal in the club’s recent history.

Bournemouth’s impressive unbeaten streak

Despite the North Londoners boasting 12 victories, two draws, and only one loss in 15 home Premier League matches this season, a victory against Andoni Iraola’s team is not a foregone conclusion.

Bournemouth currently holds an impressive unbeaten streak of 11 league matches, matching their club record, and they pushed Arsenal to the limit earlier in the season, with the Gunners narrowly winning 3-2 at the Vitality Stadium.

The last five matches for Bournemouth have all ended in draws, including encounters against West Ham, Sunderland, Brentford, Burnley, and Manchester United. If they fail to secure a victory on Saturday, they will be the first Premier League side since Manchester City in November 2009 to record six consecutive draws.

Interestingly, Bournemouth has triumphed in two of their last three league meetings with Arsenal, including a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium last season, a notable turnaround compared to their previous record of just one win, two draws, and 11 losses in the prior 14 meetings. They could prevent Arsenal from achieving five consecutive victories for the first time this season, a feat they only managed to accomplish in the 2013/14 and 2022/23 seasons.

Moreover, Junior Kroupi scored in his last outing against Manchester United, marking his ninth league goal of the season. If he finds the back of the net at the Emirates, he would become the first teenager since Robbie Keane at Coventry City in the 1999/00 season to score 10 or more goals in his debut campaign.

Declan Rice’s excellent record against Bournemouth

The visitors also possess talent across the pitch, notably Adrien Truffert, who ranks joint-third among defenders for open play assists this season (three). His 74 overlapping runs in the Premier League this season are 36 more than any other player, so containing his raids will be vital for Arteta’s strategy.

Arsenal’s quality cannot be denied, and after disappointing defeats to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and Southampton in the FA Cup, the Gunners received a much-needed morale boost with their first-ever knockout stage win in European competition, defeating Sporting 1-0 in Portugal.

Declan Rice was stellar in that match and has an impressive record against Bournemouth, having scored five goals and contributed to seven Premier League goals against them, more than he has against any other club. Notably, all seven of his contributions have occurred in his last eight matches against the Cherries.

Arsenal’s defensive resilience

It remains to be seen whether Rice will be joined by Bukayo Saka or Jurrien Timber, as both face late fitness tests to determine their availability. Eberechi Eze has a higher chance of being fit, although he won’t be risked unless he’s fully fit. Piero Hincapie and Mikel Merino are confirmed out.

Bournemouth will be without Tyler Adams, Lewis Cook, Julio Soler, and Justin Kluivert, leading to some reshuffling of the squad for Iraola. This is far from ideal for a team eyeing a European spot, currently just four points away from the positions that would guarantee such eligibility.

To underscore the challenge facing the visitors, Arsenal has already achieved 15 clean sheets this season and averages just 0.71 expected goals against per game in the Premier League (22.1 xGA across 31 matches). This is the lowest average by any team in a single season in the English top-flight since Manchester City recorded 0.65 per game in the 2021/22 season.

Anticipating a thrilling finish

With at least three goals scored in five of the past six meetings, there is every reason to expect another thrilling match, especially with Saka’s pivotal role, as he has taken the most total shots of any Arsenal player this season (63), and has the highest number on target (26).

Viktor Gyokeres is also making his mark with his impressive goal tally (11 in the league thus far), although his overall play certainly has room for improvement.

For Bournemouth, Marcus Tavernier is a crucial player who could impact the outcome of the match. The 27-year-old leads his team in chance creation (36), is tied for the most assists (four), and has the most shots on goal (58).

Considering both teams have scored and conceded the highest number of goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, an exciting climax could await one side or the other.