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Arsenal Edge Bournemouth 3-2, Villa Beat Forest 3-1 in Premier League Thrillers

Arsenal secured a nervy 3-2 away victory over Bournemouth, with Declan Rice marking his return from injury with a decisive second-half brace. The win allows Arsenal to extend their lead at the Premier League summit to 48 points. Meanwhile, Aston Villa bounced back with a 3-1 home win against Nottingham Forest, powered by John McGinn's first Premier League double. The victory marks Villa's 11th consecutive home win in all competitions, equalling a club record.

Key Points: Arsenal & Aston Villa Win in EPL: Match Recap & Highlights

  • Rice scores brace on return
  • Villa equal home win record
  • Arsenal extend lead at top
  • McGinn nets first EPL double
2 min read

Premier League: Arsenal edge past Bournemouth, Aston Villa defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1

Arsenal survive a scare to beat Bournemouth 3-2, while Aston Villa defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1. Recap the key moments, goals, and league standings.

"The second half belonged to Rice, who netted in the 54th and 71st minutes, giving the visitors a crucial lead."

Bournemouth, January 4

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in an away English Premier League clash, while Aston Villa registered a convincing 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest at home, in matches held as part of the ongoing 2025-26 EPL season.

After securing victories in their respective Premier League matches, Arsenal extended their lead at the top to 48 points in 20 matches. On the other hand, Aston Villa bounced back from their previous defeat to title rivals Arsenal and are second with 42 points in 20 games.

In the Bournemouth-Arsenal encounter, Declan Rice made a triumphant return from injury, scoring twice to steer the Gunners to victory.

Bournemouth took an early lead when Evanilson struck in the 10th minute. Arsenal responded quickly, with Gabriel Magalhaes equalising in the 16th minute to restore parity.

The second half belonged to Rice, who missed Arsenal's 4-1 win against Aston Villa earlier. He netted in the 54th and 71st minutes, giving the visitors a crucial lead.

Even after taking the lead, Arsenal were forced to navigate a nervy finish at Vitality Stadium after Eli Junior Kroupi struck a goal for Bournemouth in the 76th minute. However, the Gunners held their nerve and secured a close victory, taking three points with them in the ongoing Premier League.

Meanwhile, at Villa Park, Aston Villa recorded their 11th consecutive home win in all competitions, equalling a club record, thanks to John McGinn's first Premier League brace.

During the first-half stoppage time, Ollie Watkins helped Villa to take a 1-0 lead before John McGinn quickly doubled their lead just four minutes (49th) after the restart. Nottingham Forest found their voice back after Morgan Gibbs-White scored a superb goal during the 61st minute.

However, John McGinn's second goal during the 73rd minute ensured Aston Villa took all three points at home.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an Aston Villa fan living in Delhi, I'm over the moon! McGinn was on fire. That home record is incredible. The race for the top four (or even the title?) is getting so exciting. Up the Villa! 🦁
A
Arjun K
Good win for Arsenal, but the defence still looks shaky. Conceding two goals to Bournemouth is not champion-like behaviour. They got the three points, which is most important, but City will punish those mistakes. Need to tighten up at the back.
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Priyanka N
The quality of football is just brilliant. Waking up to these results with my morning chai is a ritual. Both matches had everything - comebacks, braces, nervous finishes. This is why we love the EPL!
D
David E
Respect to Nottingham Forest for putting up a fight at Villa Park. Gibbs-White's goal was a stunner. The league is so competitive this season, even the mid-table and lower teams are playing fantastic football. Great for neutrals!
K
Karthik V
Arsenal's mentality has changed. Last season they might have drawn or lost that game after Bournemouth's late goal. Rice brings that winning steel. Top of the league going into the new year... let's hope they don't bottle it this time! 🤞

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