Maybe this is Arsenal's season after all. The Gunners completed one of the most thrilling comebacks of the 2022/23 Premier League season, overturning a 2-0 deficit at home to relegation-threatened Bournemouth and emerging winners 3-2 on a goal deep in stoppage time.
Substitute Reiss Nelson scored a stunning winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time to leave the visiting Cherries stunned. The three points took Arsenal's lead atop the Premier League back to five points with 12 matches remaining in the season.
Bournemouth scored the second fastest goal from the start of a match in Premier League history, taking the kickoff down to the Arsenal box and scoring after nine seconds through Philip Billing.
The visitors proceeded to absorb the subsequent Arsenal attacks, thanks in part to a big double save by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto, and they even threatened to score a second. That second goal eventually came on a second-half corner kick header by Marcos Senesi. Down 2-0, it looked like Arsenal might be staring just a fourth defeat on the season.
But Arsenal fought back with two goals in an eight-minute span. First, Thomas Partey put home a shot following a rare moment of poor defensive play from Bournemouth. Then two substitutes combined with Reiss Nelson delivering a cross that Ben White blasted on goal with the referee confirming that the ball crossed the line for the 2-2 equalizer.
With 20 minutes left, it looked like it'd only be a matter of time before Arsenal would win it, but the Gunners' attack seemed to fizzle out in the final minutes. But there was time for one last flashpoint, as the final corner kick of the match bounced out to Nelson, who unleashed a sweet strike to win the game for the Gunners.
"My eyes lit up," Nelson said postgame. "It's been a rough couple months for me just coming back from injury [thigh]. Everyone knows how hard I worked in the background. So when that ball went in, that was a great moment for me."
Updated Premier League table
| Pos | Team | Points | Matches Played | Goals Scored | Goal Difference | Next Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Arsenal | 63 | 26 | 59 | +34 | @ FUL, March 12 |
| 2. | Man City | 58 | 26 | 66 | +41 | @ CRY, March 11 |
| 3. | Man United | 49 | 24 | 41 | +13 | @ LIV, March5 |
MORE: Arsenal odds to win the Premier League in 2022/23
Arsenal vs Bournemouth final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Arsenal | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bournemouth | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Goals:
BOU — Philip Billing (Dango Ouattara) — 1st min.
BOU — Marcos Senesi (Joe Rothwell) — 57th min.
ARS — Thomas Partey (Smith Rowe) — 62nd min.
ARS — Ben White (Reiss Nelson) — 70th min.
ARS — Reiss Nelson — 98th+ min.
Lineups:
Arsenal (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Ramsdale (GK) — 18-Tomiyasu (4-White, 46'), 12-Saliba, 6-Gabriel, 35-Zinchenko — 8-Odegaard, 5-Partey,21-Vieira (34-Xhaka, 84') — 7-Saka, 19-Trossard (10-Smith Rowe, 22'; 24-Nelson, 69'), 11-Martinelli
Bournemouth (5-4-1,right to left): 13-Neto (GK) — 15-A. Smith, 6-Mepham, 3-Stephens, 25-Senesi, 33-Zemura (2-Fredericks, 65') — 11-Ouattara (10-Christie, 82'), 14-Rothwell (4-Cook, 70'), 29-Billing,24-sem*nyo (32-Anthony, 65') — 9-Solanke
Arsenal vs Bournemouth live updates, highlights from Premier League
Final: Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
Ian Wright's reaction sums up the day for Arsenal fans:
Ian Wright is every Arsenal fan right now. 😅pic.twitter.com/OUbGBzs8Yz
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) March 4, 2023
With no Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus, or Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson was the hero on this day. And it wasn't just for the winning goal.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 4, 2023Reiss Nelson in 30 minutes vs. Bournemouth:
100% passes completed
100% dribbles completed
23 touches
15 passes completed
10/10 final third passes completed
2 key passes
1 goal
1 assistThe man who led the comeback. 👑 pic.twitter.com/mu5eJaUj16
98th min.: Goal Arsenal! Reiss Nelson does it! A corner kick was cleared out to him at the top of the box and he takes a quick control and fires a beauty of a shot to win it for Arsenal.
If they win the league this will go down as an all-time moment for Arsenal pic.twitter.com/L0NPNHLSah
— Martino (@MartinoPuccio) March 4, 2023
Watch in USA:
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 4, 2023Reiss Nelson came on in the 69th minute.
He walks off with the WINNER for Arsenal! 🔥#MyPLMorning | #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/3h4XqXw0Rr
Watch in Canada:
— fuboTVCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) March 4, 2023Reiss Nelson SCORES!!
Reiss Nelson with a Spectacular Goal vs. AFC Bournemouth
WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 https://t.co/2w98QqBb5v#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/rW5AE1dDNC
Watch in Australia:
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 4, 2023ARSENAL WIN IT WITH THE LAST KICK OF THE GAME AGAINST BOURNEMOUTH! 🤯
2-0 down. 3-2 up in the 97th minute. The Emirates erupts after Reiss Nelson's worldie! 🚀
The stuff of Champions? #OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/DtXAaff1ck
90th min.: Six minutes of stoppage time. Arsenal's attack has seemingly lost some of its bite in recent minutes.
84th min.: SUB Arsenal. Granit Xhaka is on for Fabio Vieira for a final push for a winner.
82nd min.: SUB Bournemouth. Right wingerDango Ouattara is off and Ryan Christie replaces him.
80th min.: Why not? One more Arsenal penalty shout. Philip Billing was trying his best to put his arms in a safe place, but the ball looks to still make contact. VAR says no review.
— En el VAR (@EnElVar) March 4, 2023¡Polémica en la Premier League!
¿Era penal para Arsenal? pic.twitter.com/2A9faWXpYw
79th min.: Another Arsenal penalty appeal. Martin Odegaard's shot looks to be blocked by Marcos Senesi's arm, but it's from close range and the VAR check says no review.
— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) March 4, 20233 Handball in the box not 1 penalty
They have 11 Goalkeepers🤝 pic.twitter.com/qx6Egwn1VO
74th min.: Chance Arsenal! Gabriel Martinelli with a solo run into the box from the right, but he skies it over the bar.
72nd min.: Arsenal hit the post! A Bukayo Saka cross from the right end line is deflected off a defender's arm (Jack Stephens) and onto the post. VAR had a look at it, but no penalty.
— Don Draper (@arsenalbarclays) March 4, 2023
70th min.: SUB Bournemouth. Lewis Cook comes on after missing five straight matches. He replaces Joe Rothwell.
70th min.: Goal Arsenal! The two second-half subs make an impact. Reiss Nelson with the immediate cross from the left side and Ben White fires a first-time volley at the far post. Goalkeeper Neto blocks it, but the ball crossed the line. It's 2-2!
Watch in USA:
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 4, 2023Arsenal scored twice in 8 minutes after trailing 2-0! 😱
📺 @peaco*ck#MyPLMorning | #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/KYJJDpFPEM
Watch in Canada:
— fuboTVCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) March 4, 2023Ben White SCORES!!
⚽ 2 - 2 Arsenal FC vs AFC Bournemouth
WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 https://t.co/2w98QqBb5v#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/Y783f1GHxF
69th min.: SUB Arsenal. It's the substitute Emile Smith Rowe coming out with Reiss Nelson taking his spot.
65th min.: SUBS Bournemouth. Double change with Jaidon Anthony and Ryan Fredericks in for Antoine sem*nyo and Jordan Zemura.
64th min.: Chance Bournemouth! Joe Rothwell chips the ball ahead to forward Dominic Solanke, who takes the ball off his chest, and from a tight angle he fires at goal. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has to come up with the stop.
62nd min.: Goal Arsenal! Poor punch-out by Neto on a corner kick, and the ball gets headed back toward goal again. That's where a wide open Thomas Partey touches home, and Arsenal are back in it.
Watch in USA:
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 4, 2023Arsenal scored twice in 8 minutes after trailing 2-0! 😱
📺 @peaco*ck#MyPLMorning | #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/KYJJDpFPEM
Watch in Canada:
— fuboTVCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) March 4, 2023Thomas Partey SCORES!!
⚽ 1 - 2 Arsenal FC vs AFC Bournemouth
WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 https://t.co/2w98QqBb5v#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/2aL3CLmIlH
57th min.: Bournemouth goal! The Cherries go 2-0 up on a corner kick header by Marcos Senesi. Arsenal's Thomas Partey couldn't stay with him.
Watch in Canada:
— fuboTVCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) March 4, 2023Marcos Senesi SCORES!!
⚽ 1 - 2 Arsenal FC vs AFC Bournemouth
WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 https://t.co/2w98QqBb5v#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/IoTw3ScUIP
Watch in Australia:
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 4, 2023BOURNEMOUTH DOUBLE THEIR LEAD AGAINST ARSENAL! 😱
Incredible scenes right in front of the away bay and the Gunners have it all to do against the relegation-threatened Cherries!
Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here 📺 https://t.co/CiseVawbdi#OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/4kukwFBI1S
55th min.: Neto with a big stop! But he comes way off his line to stop Gabriel Martinelli. Had Martinelli got another touch on that ball and got it past Neto, he would've been alone in on goal.
51st min.: Nothing meaningfully different about the start to this second half. Arsenal won a couple of corners, and then there was a cross into the box easily nabbed in the air by Bournemouth's Neto. Later, an Martin Odegaard shot from the top of the box was also held by the Brazilian 'keeper.
Through the first 45 minutes, Arsenal have already attempted more crosses against Bournemouth (25) than they have in 21 matches this season. The most they have attempted is 36 against Brentford. pic.twitter.com/OGnEoOmwZ0
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) March 4, 2023
46th min.: We're back underway. Mikel Arteta brings on Ben White for Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back.
Halftime: Arsenal 0-1 Bournemouth
Halftime: The second fastest goal scored from the start of a match in Premier League history (9 seconds and 11 milliseconds!) on a designed play has Arsenal scrambling to figure out how to find a way through Bournemouth's defensive 5-4-1 formation. An injury to Leandro Trossard hasn't helped the league leaders.
Outside of an early double save by Bournemouth 'keeper Neto, Arsenal were only able to muster a series of set pieces (including nine corners), and two penalty shouts. It feels we might have a couple more of those VAR episodes in the second half with the crowd of players and the action concentrated in the Bournemouth box.
But the visitors are showing that through forward Dominic Solanke, winger Dango Ouattara and midfielder Philip Billing, who's having a monster game, injury-ravaged Bournemouth are threatening to score a second. If not for Aaron Ramsdale, they could've been 2-0 up.
9.11 - Phillip Billing's goal for Bournemouth against Arsenal was scored in 9 seconds, 11 milliseconds - the second-fastest goal scored in @premierleague history, after Shane Long for Southampton v Watford in April 2019 (7:69).Blocks. pic.twitter.com/ha22xb7Qev
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 4, 2023
45th min.: Another Arsenal penalty shout. Marcos Senesi looks to have kicked Takehiro Tomiyasu as they both chased down a ball in the box. But the VAR looked at it and didn't signal for a review.
Another one for the fans of VAR pic.twitter.com/1HBOMOYVgi
— Don Draper (@arsenalbarclays) March 4, 2023
44th min.: Bournemouth chance! It's another break led by Dominic Solanke but he doesn't have a good touch by the time he gets into the box and the cross misses his countering teammate Dango Ouattara.
40th min.: This is how Bournemouth were lined up at kickoff. It's the formation from which the goal came. The Cherries overloaded one side and the cross came from the attacking right.
Two players in the Arsenal half before the game kicks off which leads to the goal. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/FErF8uPjR0
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) March 4, 2023
35th min.: Arsenal penalty appeal! The VAR checks a ball that fell on the arm of Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham who mistimed his header in the box and watched the ball hit his arm. But the officials did not deem it a punishable offence.
Penalty or no penalty? 🤔 #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/prKhwlh2GG
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 4, 2023
— Arsenal Presser (@APresserV2) March 4, 2023
33rd min.: It's Gabriel Martinelli operating as the centre-forward now for Arsenal. Emile Smith Rowe has gone wide left, where Martinelli typically works his magic. That might make things more difficult for the Gunners, since Martinelli is better at beating defenders at pace 1-on-1.
30th min.: Arsenal are having a hard time getting around the five-man backline that Bournemouth has set up. And they're definitely not able to go through it. The Gunners might need to find their way through a set piece, although the Cherries have defended those well, too.
22nd min.: SUB Arsenal. Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard picks up an injury and has to come out with Emile Smith Rowe replacing him. We'll see who plays as the central striker. Reminder: Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus are not in the squad due to injury.
20th min.: Bournemouth chance! What a stop by Arsenal 'keeper Aaron Ramsdale! The visitors with a clinical breakaway led by Philip Billing and Dominic Solanke. The cross into the box is to a wide open Dango Ouattara, but Ramsdale closes the angle on the point-blank shot.
SO close to a second 😩 pic.twitter.com/oj1VdEqn9x
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) March 4, 2023
16th min.: Bournemouth have absorbed whatever Arsenal have thrown at them since the Neto double save. And more interestingly, Bournemouth look like they can hurt Arsenal in transition when they get on the ball.
4th min.: Arsenal chance! The response from the Gunners is swift with a double Neto save needed against Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka on the follow-up.
1st min.: Goal Bournemouth! Bournemouth score after just 11 seconds! Bournemouth kick if off and Dango Ouattara brings up the right side, and his cross makes it through a maze of Arsenal legs. Philip Billing made the ghosting run into the box and finished all alone for a shock lead!
Watch in USA:
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 4, 2023Philip Billing scored in just NINE SECONDS for Bournemouth. 🤯
📺 @peaco*ck#MyPLMorning | #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/mJmV1InFWz
Watch in Canada:
— fuboTVCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) March 4, 2023Philip Billing SCORES!!
⚽ 0 - 1 Arsenal FC vs AFC Bournemouth
WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 https://t.co/2w98QqBb5v#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/ar4vAQjxUj
Watch in Australia:
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 4, 2023BOURNEMOUTH SCORE AFTER 11 SECONDS AGAINST ARSENAL! 🤯🤯
A crazy start at the Emirates that could have huge ramifications for the title race! 🤪
Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here 📺 https://t.co/CiseVawbdi#OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/yXoQ3DklR7
5 mins from kickoff: We're just about ready to go. The pressure is on Arsenal to respond to Manchester City's home victory against Newcastle.
45 mins from kickoff: Lineups are in. Three new starters are brought in for Arsenal, while Eddie Nketiah is not in the squad due to injury. In addition to their six injuries, Bournemouth are further debilitated without starters Jefferson Lerma and Hamed Traore in their squad.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2023🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🧱 Tomiyasu at the back
🔙 Partey returns
🪄 Vieira in midfieldThree changes from Wednesday - Come on you Gunners! pic.twitter.com/gWkof6IKYb
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) March 4, 2023📝 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📝
🔺 sem*nyo and Rothwell start
🔺 Lerma and Traorè out
🔺 Cook back on benchOur line up for #ARSBOU 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hi5pkEaRSX
75 mins from kickoff: The fan bustle outside the stadium with a bit over an hour to go until kickoff.
Hello beautiful 🔴 pic.twitter.com/aXN481Xr5D
— RohanJivan (@RjArsenalBlog) March 4, 2023
115 mins from kickoff: A stroll down memory lane for Arsenal fans for Bukayo Saka's first goal at the senior level:
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 3, 2023A bullet from Bukayo 💥
Remembering @BukayoSaka87's first goal in English football 😎
🔜 Bournemouth (h) pic.twitter.com/rHcLQJ7zKe
120 mins from kickoff: The Cherries are in the relegation zone thanks to their 1W-8L-2D record in all competitions since the World Cup break ended. That included ousters in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The many injuries haven't helped, and neither has the schedule: They've had to face Manchester City and Arsenal in consecutive weeks, with Liverpool up next.
Since the World Cup break, no PL team has picked up fewer points (5) and scored fewer goals (4) than Bournemouth. #ARSBOU #afc pic.twitter.com/fEJRSjnypt
— Arsenal Presser (@APresserV2) March 4, 2023
MORE: How many times have Arsenal won the Premier League?
Arsenal vs Bournemouth lineups, team news
With a match last Wednesday and another coming up on Thursday in the Europa League, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is shuffling personnel some. Right-back Ben White gets a breather with Takehiro Tomiyasu starting, and Fabio Vieira gets a start asGranit Xhakasits on the bench.Thomas Partey alsoregains his central midfield role in place ofJorginho. What will be concerning to supporters is that Eddie Nketiah is nowhere on the squad sheet due to injury.
Arsenal lineup (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Aaron Ramsdale (GK) — 18-Takehiro Tomiyasu, 12-William Saliba, 6-Gabriel, 35-Oleksandr Zinchenko — 8-Martin Odegaard, 5-Thomas Partey,21-Fabio Vieira— 7-Bukayo Saka, 19-Leandro Trossard, 11-Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal subs (9):30-Matt Turner (GK), 4-Ben White, 15-Jakub Kiwior, 16-Rob Holding, 3-Kieran Tierney, 20-Jorginho, 34-Granit Xhaka, 10-Emile Smith Rowe, 24-Reiss Nelson
Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil will be happy to have Lewis Cook back as part of the squad after missing six weeks with a knee injury. But the infirmary list is still long with six players confirmed out:Illia Zabarnyi (ankle), Marcus Tavernier (hamstring), David Brooks (hamstring), Matias Vina (knee),Junior Stanislas (muscle), and Lloyd Kelly (calf). Hamed Traore and Jefferson Lerma are not in the squad
Bournemouth lineup(5-4-1,right to left): 13-Neto (GK) — 15-Adam Smith, 6-Chris Mepham, 3-Jack Stephens, 25-Marcos Senesi, 33-Jordan Zemura — 11-Dango Ouattara, 14-Joe Rothwell, 29-Philip Billing,24-Antoine sem*nyo — 9-Dominic Solanke.
Bournemouth subs (9):1-Mark Travers (GK), 12-Darren Randolph (GK), 17-Jack Stacey, 2-Ryan Fredericks, 10-Ryan Christie, 4-Lewis Cook, 21-Kieffer Moore, 32-Jaidon Anthony, 41-Euan Pollock.
MORE: Where Arsenal's attacking foursome rank among top scorers
Arsenal vs Bournemouth live stream, TV channel
Arsenal have a 12W-2L-2D record at the Emirates so far in the 2022/23 season across all competitions, and they will look to take advantage of a second-straight home match against a relegation-threatened side after pummeling Everton 4-0 in midweek.
Their only losses this season came against
| Date | Time | TV | Streaming | |
| Australia | Sun, Mar 5 | 02:00 AEDT | — | Optus Sport |
| Canada | Sat, Mar 4 | 10:00 ET | — | |
| Hong Kong | Sun, Mar 5 | 23:00 HKT | Now Premier League (Ch. 620-621) | Now E, Now Player |
| India | Sat, Mar 4 | 20:30 IST | Star Sports Select | Hotstar, JioTV |
| Malaysia | Sat, Mar 4 | 23:00 MYT | — | Astro Go |
| New Zealand | Sun, Mar 5 | 04:00 NZDT | Sky Sport 1 | Sky Sport Now |
| Singapore | Sat, Mar 4 | 23:00 SGT | Hub Premier (Ch. 221) | StarHub TV+ |
| UK | Sat, Mar 4 | 15:00 GMT | — | — |
| USA | Sat, Mar 4 | 10:00 ET | — | Peaco*ck |
UK: The match will not be televised in the UK given the Saturday 15:00 GMT blackout.
USA:This Arsenal vs. Bournemouth match will be available exclusively on NBC streaming platform Peaco*ck.
Canada: Every Premier League game this season is live streaming exclusively via fuboTV in Canada.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream every Premier League match live and on demand on Optus Sport.
India:Star Sports network has the rights to show Premier League matches in India. As well as an English broadcast on Star Sports Select, some matches are available via regional feeds on Star Sports 3 (in Bengali, English, Kannada, Malayalam), Star Sports 1 (Bangla) and Star Sports 1 (Tamil).
