Arsenal v Bournemouth 11/4/26

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Christie; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson.

Michael Oliver the referee.

Could Arsenal blow it? They've just equalised after conceding.

Declan Rice Shot on Target , saved by Bournemouth goalie

Arsenal have blown it. They've lost at home!

Looked all game like they were trying to let bournmouth score

Is it in the contract of every commentator/co commentator who does an Arsenal game thatvthey have to big up Rice as the best in the World etc?

Hes not bad though is he

He's definitely not "bad". I would consider him to be a solid midfielder but certainly not worlc class.

Apr 11, 2026 -- 4:05PM, sofaking wrote:

He's definitely not "bad". I would consider him to be a solid midfielder but certainly not worlc class.

He doesnt get a look-in , in another Big 5 country: France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and the Dutch for me.

^
Who would those nations be picking in centre midfield that is better than Rice?

N'golo Kante?, Casemiro?, Bruno from Newcastle?, Rodri?, Gravenbech?

Maybe could make a case for Pedri but I don't think Arsenal would want to swap Rice for any of them.

The same people who wanted Gerrard Lampard Scholes and Beckham in midfield don't rate Rice

Bournemouth won entirely on merit and Arsenal were a yard off the pace at best

Yep, I agree. Arsenal & Arteta have lost their way, some horrible performances (especially at home). If City get a win at Chelsea, I'm confident they will beat Arsenal next weekend. Then the title really is up for grabs.