Bournemouth will be out for redemption when they host high-flying Newcastle.
The Cherries have rediscovered their mojo under interim boss Gary O'Neil, beating Everton and drawing with Nottingham Forest. Dominic Solanke is back among the goals too.
But Newcastle are soaring in the top four under Eddie Howe, with new heroes emerging every week. Joelinton has been a revelation in midfield.
Bournemouth must summon the spirit of their miracle escape in 2015 if they are to topple Howe's heroes. Revenge would be sweet for the rejuvenated Cherries.
The match will take place on Saturday, 11th November, 2023, at Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth's young guns were given a brutal reality check as Manchester City's superstars put them to the sword in a 6-1 mauling. The Cherries were simply blown away by City's relentless attacks and dazzling movement.
City's new boy Jeremy Doku was the Cherries' chief tormentor, bagging one goal and playing a part in almost all the others. The speedy Belgian was unplayable, roasting Bournemouth right-back Adam Smith at will.
The absence of Erling Haaland at halftime failed to derail City's attacking juggernaut. The Norwegian goal machine went off as a precaution after tweaking his ankle. But City simply switched Julien Alvarez to center forward and kept firing.
Bournemouth's young hopefuls like Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Zemura and Jaidon Anthony found the going tough against City's seasoned stars. The learning curve at this level is steep.
The lone bright spot for Bournemouth was Dominic Solanke's crisp strike from the edge of the box to bag a late consolation. It was a goal of the highest quality, even if the game was long gone.
To make matters worse for boss Andoni Iraola, his injury list grew longer as Alex Scott limped off before halftime. With key men Scott, David Brooks, and Junior Stanislas among those sidelined, Iraola is down to the bare bones.
One Bournemouth player to emerge with credit was Ryan Christie, who plugged away valiantly down the right flank despite the scoreline. Up against Cancelo and Ake, the Scot never hid and tried bravely to raid forward when he could.
Against injury-hit opponents, this was a monumental result and performance from Newcastle's committed troops. They showed incredible heart and hunger to grind out victory.
The Magpies were happy to soak up pressure and strike clinically on the break. Defensive solidarity was the foundation but counter-attacking quality sealed a statement win.
Each player rose to the occasion, playing with controlled aggression and intensity in front of a frenzied St James' Park crowd. This triumph will fuel belief that Newcastle can upset the odds this season.
Joelinton personified Newcastle's selfless industry and endeavor in central midfield. The Brazilian covered every blade of grass, leading his teammates by example.
Joelinton made an incredible 17 ball recoveries as he shielded Newcastle's backline superbly. Going box-to-box tirelessly, he set the tempo for the Magpies' tenacious display.
To cap it off, his strength and determination directly created Gordon's winner. A colossal performance from a key man stepping up in difficult circumstances.
With Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin injured, Anthony Gordon seized his opportunity to lead the line. His predatory finish clinched victory against his old club.
Gordon displayed intelligence to read the situation quickly and be alert for any scraps in the box after Joelinton's tussle with Gabriel.
The young forward was a livewire throughout, running the channels and holding the ball up well. This clinical display proved Gordon is ready to deputize for star men.
At the heart of Newcastle's excellent defensive performance, Fabian Schar was immense. The Swiss were an unbelievable obstacle at the back.
Schar made an incredible 14 clearances and 13 ball recoveries as he dominated in the air and on the ground. Arsenal's forwards couldn't escape his attention.
The classy Schar is finally getting recognition for his elite defensive attributes. Still arguably the Premier League's most underrated defender in this form.
Arsenal enjoyed the lion's share of possession at St James' Park, their slick short passing and clever movement opening up space in Newcastle's half.
The Gunners were purring at times with their silky interchanges and imaginative patterns. Playmakers like Odegaard and Saka reveled in the time allowed on the ball.
At the back, Newcastle was heroic at times, throwing bodies on the line to repel the Arsenal threat. Fabian Schar in particular made countless blocks and interceptions to deny the visitors.
The Magpies defended with organization and aggression to stop Arsenal from cutting through. Their whole team worked tirelessly off the ball to restrict space for Arsenal's creators.
The gutsy hosts earned their luck, riding their luck occasionally but largely restricting Arsenal's dangermen through sheer determination.
AFC Bournemouth: Andrei Radu, Milos Kerkez, I. Zabarnyi, Chris Mepham, Lloyd Kelly, Max Aarons, M. Tavernier, Joe Rothwell, P. Billing, R. Christie, D. Solanke
Newcastle United: Nick Pope, K. Trippier, Fabian Schar, J. Lascelles, V. Livramento, Joelinton, Joe Willock, S. Longstaff, A. Gordon, M. Almiron, C. Wilson
Key Battles
Christie vs Trippier
Bournemouth's direct winger Ryan Christie takes on Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier in an intriguing duel. Christie's pace and trickery could cause problems, but Trippier loves a defensive tussle. This battle down the flank could shape the outcome.
Solanke vs Schar
Bournemouth sharpshooter Dominic Solanke is back on form, but keeping him quiet will be Fabian Schar, Newcastle's defensive rock. Solanke's movement threatens any backline, however Schar's reading of the game is exceptional. Something has to give here.
Bournemouth should perform better with home advantage this time. But their defense must handle Newcastle's ruthless counter-attacks and aerial bombardments. Lose focus and Callum Wilson could run riot again.
Howe returning to his old club adds extra spice. But on current form, you'd still back his Newcastle side to edge a tight contest.