Bournemouth’s dramatic win against Arsenal in the teatime kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday has left open the possibility of a piece of European history
Arsenal’s Slip-Ups Against Bournemouth Could Spark a Premier League First
Arsenal’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, following a 2-0 loss at the Vitality Stadium back in October, means they’ve now lost both fixtures to the Cherries this season. These unexpected results have cost the Gunners six crucial points, potentially playing a pivotal role in a historic Premier League outcome.
After taking an early lead, Mikel Arteta’s side were undone by quick goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson. The loss leaves them just seven points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand. Chelsea and Aston Villa are also seven points back, while Manchester City and Newcastle are even closer—tightening the race for top-five positions.
Though still unlikely, Arsenal now face a theoretical risk of falling out of the Premier League’s top five, despite helping to secure an extra Champions League spot for England with their 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg.
If Arsenal were to finish outside the top five but go on to win the Champions League, they would still qualify automatically for next season’s competition—potentially making them the sixth English team to do so. With the Premier League already guaranteed five Champions League places, this scenario could lead to a record seven English teams in Europe’s top-tier tournament.
With both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur enduring disappointing domestic campaigns, their progress in the Europa League could still have major implications. The two clubs are on course for an all-English Europa League final, and whichever side lifts the trophy would secure a Champions League spot—potentially becoming the Premier League’s seventh representative in next season’s competition.
This wouldn’t be the first time Manchester United played a pivotal role in expanding England’s Champions League presence. Back in 2016-17, United’s Europa League triumph earned them a place in the Champions League, even though they hadn’t qualified through their league position. The following season marked a historic moment: for the first time, five English clubs—United, Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City—all competed in the group stage, and each advanced to the last 16. It was a record-breaking achievement, with England becoming the first nation to have five teams reach the Champions League knockout rounds.
