Premier League (PL) leaders Arsenal mounted a stunning second-half comeback to defeat relegation-threatened AFC Bournemouth 3-2 from two goals down, after the Cherries struck an incredible nine-second goal through Philip Billing, the second fastest in PL history.
Manchester City’s victory earlier in the day meant that the Gunners could ill afford to slip up here as they looked to restore their five-point lead at the PL summit.
However, it was the worst possible start for Mikel Arteta’s men, as strugglers Bournemouth sensationally took the lead directly from kick-off.
January signing Dango Ouattara caught the back four by surprise, as he surged towards goal and slid the ball across the frantic Arsenal box.
Billing was first to react, and he tapped in past Aaron Ramsdale to put the Cherries ahead. Clocked at just nine seconds, the strike was Bournemouth’s fastest ever, and the earliest of the PL season so far.
Arsenal were immediately on the attack, and Neto was forced into making a fantastic double save to deny both Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.
In spite of Arsenal’s overwhelming dominance of the ball, the visitors went toe-to-toe for chances in the first half.
Ouattara almost went from creator to goalscorer following a scintillating counter, but this time Ramsdale was able to pull off a fantastic save.
A slender one-goal lead looked like a daunting prospect for the side with the worst defensive record in the division to hang onto, but Bournemouth were soon rewarded with an unlikely second.
Having scored in their recent draw with Newcastle, Marcos Senesi got on the end of an excellent Joe Rothwell corner delivery and glanced it into the net.
Arsenal, who had won their last eight matches against newly promoted sides, never relented, and they rallied to make it a ninth, netting two goals in quick succession.
First, Emile Smith Rowe headed a tentatively cleared corner back towards goal, finding Thomas Partey who made no mistake.
Inspired, the home side got their equaliser when Reiss Nelson found Ben White at the far post, and his shot made it over the line despite the best efforts of Neto.
With a late winner in the offing, the roars of the home crowd turned from hopeful to expectant, and Arsenal were able to unbelievably complete the comeback eight minutes into stoppage time.
Nelson, having already assisted the equaliser, fired a wicked strike from the edge of the box into the far corner of the net, sending the Emirates into dreamland.
The victory for Arsenal will be treated with a degree of relief, as they avoided a scare and retained their PL lead.
