Arsenal suffered a painful blow to their Premier League title hopes with a 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth, in their encounter at the Emirates Stadium in London, England.
Bournemouth took the lead when 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi turned in a deflected cross at the far post in the 17th minute.
Arsenal struggled to respond but got a helping hand when Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie was adjudged to have blocked a shot with his arm.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and equalised from the penalty spot in the 35th — his 11th goal in all competitions this year.
The anxious hosts huffed and puffed in search of a winner and Gyokeres had a goal disallowed.
However, it was Bournemouth who struck again as Scott was played in by Evanilson and finished calmly past David Raya in the 74th minute.
In their first Premier League match for almost a month, Arsenal could have built a 12-point cushion with six games left to play.
But could have few complaints as Bournemouth emerged with a deserved three points to boost their European hopes.
“Extremely disappointing. It’s a big punch in the face,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. “We were very far from the level that we’re expecting, that’s for sure.”
The London club remain on 70 points, nine clear of second-placed Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand starting with Sunday’s trip to Chelsea and host Arsenal next weekend. Bournemouth are up to 10th on 45 points.
Saturday’s Premier League results
Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth
Brentford 2-2 Everton
Burnley 0-2 Brighton
Liverpool 2-0 Fulham.