• Manager praises ‘remarkable’ Gabriel reaction after error

• Rice makes impact after disappointment of missing Villa

Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Arsenal’s newfound “personality and presence” after they came back from a goal down to defeat Bournemouth and move six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Gabriel Magalhães made up for his error in gifting Evanilson the opening goal by lashing in the equaliser at the other end minutes later before Declan Rice scored twice after returning from a knee injury. Eli Junior Kroupi pulled one back late on but Arsenal were able to comfortably hang on as they began the new year with a fifth straight league win.

Arsenal’s revenge mission this week has been a dish best served cold. After Unai Emery’s Aston Villa felt the force of the Premier League leaders in a 4-1 thrashing, this time it was Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth who were vanquished despite being gifted the opening goal by Gabriel Magalhães.

The Brazilian promptly equalised before Declan Rice capped his return from injury with two goals as Arsenal moved six points clear at the top, even if they had to survive a nervous last 16 minutes after the substitute Eli Junior Kroupi pulled one back.