Arsenal holds a dominant historical advantage over AFC Bournemouth, winning 14 of their 20 competitive meetings, while the Cherries have secured only 3 victories. Since Bournemouth first reached the Premier League in 2015, this fixture has evolved from a predictable result into a highly tactical and often dramatic encounter. Most recently, on January 3, 2026, Arsenal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Vitality Stadium, highlighted by a rare brace from midfielder Declan Rice, which saw the Gunners stretch their lead at the top of the table.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
The competitive history between Arsenal and Bournemouth began in 1987 in the EFL Cup, but the rivalry truly sparked in 2015. Out of 20 meetings, Arsenal has won 14, Bournemouth 3, and 3 matches have ended in draws.
Arsenal’s 14 wins have often come in high-scoring affairs, with the Gunners netting over 40 goals in total against the Cherries. Bournemouth’s three wins are recent, including a historic “double” over Arsenal in the 2024-2025 season, proving they are no longer an easy opponent for the North London giants.
Recent Results (2024-2026)
The last two seasons have seen a significant shift in the competitive nature of this fixture. While Arsenal won the most recent meeting in January 2026, Bournemouth shocked the football world by winning both league games against Arsenal in the 2024-2025 campaign.
In October 2024, Bournemouth capitalized on a William Saliba red card to win 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium. They followed this up in May 2025 with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium, their first-ever win at Arsenal’s home ground. The most recent 3-2 Arsenal win in early 2026 restored the Gunners’ status but required a resilient comeback.
Iconic Match: The 97th-Minute Winner
One of the most famous games in Premier League history occurred on March 4, 2023, when Arsenal hosted Bournemouth at the Emirates. Bournemouth took the lead after just 9.11 seconds through Philip Billing—the second-fastest goal in the competition’s history.
After falling 2-0 behind, Arsenal staged a legendary comeback with goals from Thomas Partey and Ben White. In the final seconds of stoppage time (97th minute), Reiss Nelson struck a half-volley from the edge of the box to win the game 3-2, triggering some of the wildest celebrations ever seen in the stadium.
Key Players and Top Scorers
For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have historically thrived against Bournemouth’s defensive lines. However, Declan Rice has recently become a pivotal figure in this fixture, scoring twice in the most recent 2026 encounter to secure three points.
Bournemouth’s threats often come from wide areas, with Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert providing the pace to trouble Arsenal’s high defensive line. Striker Evanilson has also made his mark, scoring the opening goal in the January 2026 meeting after pouncing on a rare defensive error.
Tactical Evolution: Arteta vs. Iraola
The tactical battle between Mikel Arteta and Andoni Iraola is one of the most intriguing in the league. Both managers hail from the same town in the Basque Country and share a philosophy centered on high intensity and sophisticated pressing.
While Arteta’s Arsenal focuses on positional dominance and “suffocating” the opponent in their own half, Iraola’s Bournemouth excels in “chaos” and rapid transitions. This clash of styles often results in high-scoring games, as seen in the five-goal thriller at the start of 2026.
Vitality Stadium vs. Emirates Stadium
The two venues provide starkly different atmospheres for this fixture. The Vitality Stadium (Dean Court) is the smallest in the Premier League with a capacity of roughly 11,300, creating an intimate and hostile environment for visiting teams.
In contrast, the Emirates Stadium holds over 60,000 spectators and is known for its world-class facilities and expansive pitch. Arsenal’s home advantage was nearly impenetrable until Bournemouth’s 2-1 win in May 2025, which broke a long-standing winless streak for the Cherries in North London.
Practical Information and Planning
Upcoming Match Details
The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is set for 12:30 PM UK time, having been moved for live television broadcast.
Ticket Prices and Access
Arsenal Members: Tickets for the home section at the Emirates are sold via a ballot system. Prices typically range from £31.80 to £59.00 for Category C fixtures.
Away Fans: Bournemouth’s allocation for the Emirates is usually around 3,000 tickets. For games at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal fans receive approximately 1,300 tickets, priced at a capped rate of £30.00 for adults.
Secondary Market: Platforms like SeatPick often show tickets starting from £180+ due to high demand.
How to Get There
Emirates Stadium: Accessible via the London Underground at Arsenal (Piccadilly Line), Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line/Overground), and Finsbury Park.
Vitality Stadium: Located in Kings Park, Bournemouth. It is a 20-30 minute walk from Bournemouth Central Railway Station or a shorter walk from Pokesdown Station.
What to Expect
Match days in North London are bustling; fans are encouraged to arrive 90 minutes before kick-off. Security checks are strict, and “small bag only” policies are usually in effect. At Bournemouth, the atmosphere is more compact, and fans are often much closer to the touchline.
FAQs
Who won the last Bournemouth vs Arsenal match?
Arsenal won the last match 3-2 on January 3, 2026. Goals from Gabriel Magalhães and a brace from Declan Rice secured the win for the Gunners at the Vitality Stadium.
When do Arsenal and Bournemouth play next?
They are scheduled to play on April 11, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. This is a Premier League Round 32 fixture.
Has Bournemouth ever beaten Arsenal at the Emirates?
Yes, Bournemouth achieved their first-ever win at the Emirates Stadium on May 3, 2025, with a 2-1 victory. Before this, they had never won an away game against Arsenal.
What was the fastest goal in this fixture?
Philip Billing scored for Bournemouth after just 9.11 seconds on March 4, 2023. It remains the second-fastest goal in Premier League history.
What is the capacity of Bournemouth’s stadium?
The Vitality Stadium (Dean Court) has a capacity of 11,307. It is currently the smallest stadium in the English Premier League.
How many goals has Declan Rice scored against Bournemouth?
Declan Rice has scored 3 goals for Arsenal against Bournemouth, including a crucial brace in the January 2026 victory and a goal in May 2024.
Can I buy tickets for the Arsenal vs Bournemouth match without a membership?
It is very difficult. Most tickets are sold through the Arsenal Membership ballot. If any remain, they are sold on the Ticket Exchange to other members. General sale is extremely rare for this fixture.
Is safe standing available at these stadiums?
Yes, both stadiums have licensed safe standing areas. At the Emirates, this is located in the lower tier of the North Bank and Clock End. At the Vitality, it is available in the East Stand.
Who is the referee for the next match?
The referee for the April 11, 2026, match has not yet been announced. Typically, Premier League officials are confirmed roughly one week before the fixture date.
Where can I watch Bournemouth vs Arsenal on TV?
In the UK, this fixture is frequently broadcast on TNT Sports or Sky Sports. In the US, it is typically available on USA Network or the Peacock streaming service.
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