The league leaders' mission for payback this week marched on. After dismantling Aston Villa, the turn of Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth who felt their wrath despite receiving an opening goal through a rare Gabriel Magalhães error.
The Brazilian defender atoned by scoring the equalizer, before the returning midfielder marked a return from injury by netting a decisive brace as Mikel Arteta's side stretched their advantage to six points.
The Arsenal manager had vowed his players had learned from last season's loss on this ground. After a sloppy first-half, the signs suggested old habits remained unlearned. However, a transformed display in the second period, inspired by Rice's marauding presence, secured a fifth consecutive league triumph propelling a message across the Premier League.
Shaky Start Met With Quick Reply
The day's results had seen Arsenal's cushion cut before kick-off. The positive news, however, was their key midfielder coming through a last-minute assessment. Perhaps mindful of an upcoming meeting with Liverpool, Arteta rotated, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard starting on the bench.
Bournemouth, unchanged, watched their forward almost create a dream start immediately. Unexpectedly, the opener went to the hosts when an errant attempted ball was intercepted to the striker, slotting home with ease.
The manager's ire was palpable, however it was the culprit who delivered the response. After lively work on the wing, a scramble ensued to Gabriel, who fired in a fierce left-footed finish to make it 1-1.
Midfielder Takes Over to Seize Control
The first period remained far from fluid for the visitors, with striker Viktor Gyökeres isolated and the Bournemouth forward proving a constant menace. Frustration grew at halftime, with Arteta in a heated discussion against the opposition before departing to the dressing room.
Whatever was said during the interval worked wonders. Within a minute after the break, a slick move involving Gyökeres and Martin Ødegaard set up Rice, whose powerful drive beat Djordje Petrovic to complete the turnaround.
The England star wasn't finished, adding a second minutes later after exquisite combination play involving Saka and Ødegaard. He marked the goal affectionately for the cameras, as Arsenal seemed to be in complete control.
Late Nerves But Job Done
The home side, to their credit, summoned a late rally. Replacement Kroupi struck an outstanding 25-yard drive which soared past David Raya to set up a frantic finale.
The Cherries pressed for an equalizer in the dying moments, leaving the home supporters incensed as full-time was blown midway through one last attack. For Arsenal and the victorious team, it was the only thing that counted: another vital points towards relentless title pursuit.
