Bournemouth out to end five-year wait in Arsenal clash

Bournemouth will attempt to end their five-year wait for a win over Arsenal when they welcome Mikel Arteta's side to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

They were victorious in their midweek EFL Cup tie against Stoke City, but they are yet to win a Premier League game under Andoni Iraola.

The former Rayo Vallecano boss has overseen three draws and three defeats in his opening six Premier League matches.

Having failed to win a league game since thrashing Leeds United 4-1 in April, Bournemouth's winless run in the top flight now stands at 10 matches.

Their poor spell of form represents the longest ongoing winless run in the division, which is less than ideal preparation for a difficult Premier League meeting against Arsenal.

© Reuters

Not only are the Cherries hoping to claim their first league win since April, but they are also looking to beat the Gunners for the first time since 2018.

That result represents their one and only victory over the North London club in 12 Premier League meetings (D2, L9).

With the Cherries desperate to claim maximum points, they will be hoping that Dominic Solanke is passed fit after being forced off in Wednesday's EFL Cup win.

Solanke has scored three goals in six Premier League appearances this season, and his presence could be crucial to Bournemouth's hopes of victory.

The last time that Bournemouth won a top-flight match without Solanke on the pitch was in February 2020 when they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.