Arsenal's hard-fought victory over Tottenham in the North London Derby was a statement win in the Premier League title race. However, their next test comes against a seemingly unassuming opponent: Bournemouth on Saturday, 4th May. While the Cherries are currently nestled comfortably in mid-table, this fixture has all the hallmarks of a potential slip up for Mikel Arteta's men.
The south coast side has a surprising record at the Emirates Stadium. In their last two visits, they've managed a draw and a narrow defeat. Their attacking style, spearheaded by the pacey Arnaut Danjuma and the creativity of Jefferson Lerma, can cause problems for any defense, and Arsenal's backline hasn't been entirely solid, especially at home.
The emotional and physical exertion of the Tottenham match could lead to a dip in focus for Arsenal. History is littered with examples of teams dropping points after high-profile victories. Arteta will need to ensure his squad maintains their intensity and doesn't underestimate a Bournemouth team capable of causing an upset.
The relentless fixture schedule could also play into Bournemouth's hands. With several crucial matches on the horizon, Arsenal might be tempted to rotate their squad against Bournemouth. This, however, could disrupt their rhythm and hand the Cherries an opportunity to exploit any weaknesses in a rotated lineup.
Manchester City, breathing down Arsenal's neck, won't drop points easily. Any slip-up from the Gunners could be fatal. A win against Bournemouth is crucial to maintain momentum and keep the pressure on City.
Arteta's men will need to be fully focused and avoid complacency to navigate this potential banana peel and stay on course for their first Premier League title in two decades.