How Arsenal can lose top spot to Man City within just 11 days after Bournemouth blow

Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth, opened the door for Manchester City to overtake them in the Premier League title race within 11 days

Arsenal began their clash with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon aware that three points would extend their advantage at the Premier League summit to 12 points. They finished the encounter facing the prospect of a dramatic shift in the title race.

Alex Scott's strike at the Emirates Stadium secured Bournemouth a 2-1 triumph and threw the top of the table into uncertainty. Arsenal appeared disconnected and failed to generate sustained threat on the Cherries' goal.

Their solitary goal arrived via a Viktor Gyokeres penalty following a handball incident, with Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic having precious little to contend with. Arsenal maintain a nine-point cushion over Manchester City, yet Pep Guardiola's team possess two matches in hand - and, significantly, meet Arsenal next weekend.

It potentially represents a substantial swing in circumstances for Mikel Arteta's outfit. City make the journey to west London to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, requiring victory to maintain momentum. Success at Stamford Bridge would establish next Sunday's fixture at the Etihad Stadium ideally for Guardiola's side.

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Victories against Chelsea and Arsenal would reduce the deficit to three points, and City then meet Burnley on April 22 - prior to Arsenal welcoming Newcastle on April 25 - which could result in Guardiola's team leapfrogging Arsenal, assuming they narrow the gap on goal difference.

Arsenal presently stand on +38, six superior to City's +32. Arteta made no attempt to conceal his frustration. "Disappointing. It's a big punch in the face and it's about how we react now," he told TNT Sports. "They are a team who haven't lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right.

"We were far from efficient. The first chance they had to attack the box, it's a deflection, a bad defending action and it's a goal. That's something we have to recover from. The second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today. We have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football."

When asked whether his players were hurting, he responded: "A lot. It has to hurt. They have to take it on the chin. You stand up and go for the fight or you're out. It's a big week. A lot at stake. We're still in a good position in both competitions."

Former Arsenal title-winner Martin Keown was equally forthright on TNT Sports. "This is a huge disappointment," he said. "Bournemouth were magnificent but how many times have we been saying that now? Southampton were magnificent last week. You have to be better than you were today.

"Bournemouth pressed exceptionally well, but it's about sticking together, and you are going to have to, they have a huge game in the midweek, and everyone is going to be writing you off now. Will that change the mentality of the players? The pressure today was too much at times, and we're lacking energy.

"Now people have to stand up. Personalities have to come forward. Leaders need to emerge. It's still in your hands because you play Manchester City in the Premier League. You do have a Champions League game midweek though, and you need to make sure that the wheels do not come off."