Seeing Manchester City‘s 2-0 win over Newcastle earlier in the day, Mikel Arteta would have liked to see his team come come out the blocks flying in front of the home crowd.
But it was the relegation-threatened visitors who offered up the early entertainment.
Philip Billing had been left unmarked in the area and inside nine seconds slotted home to fire the Cherries one goal up – the second-fastest goal ever scored in the Premier League.
And 12 minutes into the second half thing got even sweeter as Marcos Senesi ghosted towards the near post at a corner to nod home the second.
Thomas Partey‘s goal five minutes later threatened to crash the Bournemouth party.
And crash it the Gunners did with super sub Ben White coming to the rescue.
With Arsenal pressing for an equaliser, Reiss Nelson floated a ball to the back post, where White volleyed an effort towards goal.
Bournemouth keeper Neto thought he had kept it out, but goal-line technology ruled in Arsenal’s favour.
Reiss Nelson then crashed home the winner with a thunderous volley past the six minutes added time.
It has allowed them to retain the five-point gap to City at the top.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth sink deeper into the bottom three.