Arsenal made a statement in the Premier League title chase with their hard-fought victory against Tottenham in the North London Derby. Nevertheless, on Saturday, May 4, they take on Bournemouth, a team that seems modest. Even though the Cherries are now safely positioned in the middle of the league, Mikel Arteta's team could make a mistake in this match. The team from the south coast has an unexpected record at Emirates Stadium.
They have only achieved a draw and a close loss in their previous two visits. Arsenal's backline hasn't been totally reliable, especially at home, and their offensive style—led by the quick Arnaut Danjuma and the inventive Jefferson Lerma—can pose challenges for any defense.
Arsenal may lose concentration due to the mental and physical strain of the Tottenham match. There are numerous instances in history of teams giving up points following well-publicized wins. Arteta must make sure his team keeps up the pressure and doesn't undervalue a Bournemouth club that can pull off a shock.
The rigorous calendar of fixtures may also work to Bournemouth's advantage. With a number of important games coming up, Arsenal may be inclined to shuffle their team when they play Bournemouth. But this might throw them off balance and give the Cherries a chance to take advantage of any holes in a rotating lineup.
Manchester City is closing the gap with Arsenal and won't give up easily. Any mistake made by the gunners might be lethal. It's imperative to defeat Bournemouth in order to keep up the momentum and put pressure on City. To avoid becoming complacent and traversing this potential banana peel, Arteta's team will need to be laser-sharp and concentrated in order to secure their first Premier League title in 20 years.