Published: 07:00, 4 January 2026 | Updated: 07:00, 4 January 2026

From filling in at right back against Brighton to scoring twice a week later, with a knee injury sandwiched in between, Declan Rice defies logic at times.

It was the midfielder’s brace which got Arsenal over the line against Bournemouth, extending their lead to six points at the top of the Premier League.

The Cherries had caused Mikel Arteta’s side plenty of problems last season, winning twice. They were a nuisance this time around, too, though the Gunners did enough for a hard-earned three points.

Declan Rice struck twice for Arsenal against Bournemouth, showing his versatility 

The history between Evanilson and Arsenal stretches back to last season.

October 2024: a breakaway by the forward saw him pulled down by William Saliba, with the Frenchman sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity. The Cherries went on to win 2-0.

In May last year, it was an Evanilson goal which earned Andoni Iraola’s side a 2-1 victory.

This time around, the Brazilian opened the scoring after an uncharacteristic...