Arsenal lose crucial Premier League match, title race affected after Bournemouth defeat
Former Premier League player Yannick Bolasie has blamed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi for the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth. Bolasie criticized their conservative play style, noting that goalkeeper David Raya had more ball touches than Arsenal's attacking players.
Bolasie posted on X: "All comes from Raya dancing on the ball like he has all game. When your back line is touching the ball more than any offensive players it's a big problem." He pointed out that Raya attempted 49 passes during the match, while Rice completed 43 out of 50 attempts and Zubimendi completed 29 out of 38.
The defeat has serious consequences for Arsenal's title hopes. They missed the chance to extend their lead to 12 points over Manchester City, now holding only a nine-point advantage. The Cityzens have two games in hand, with both top teams set to face each other next week in what could be a decisive match.
Bolasie added: "Of course your pass rates gonna be 95% if you're always passing backwards and side to side...Raya passing the ball more than Declan Rice or Zubimendi is the strange thing about football today."