Looking at the Premier League table won’t help you understand how good Bournemouth actually are this season. Andoni Iraola’s team sits in eighth spot – seven points behind Aston Villa – and will probably fail to secure their maiden participation in European competitions, though there are three remaining rounds to be played.The other point of view – and the one that thoroughly shows the Cherries’ significance for the EPL – would be analyzing their clashes against the members of the so-called “Big Six” – Arsenal, Man United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool.The probable vice-champions for the third consecutive time, Arsenal had the hardest time facing Bournemouth, losing both of this season’s duels against the side from the far south of England.Bournemouth vs Arsenal this season:(H) – 2-0(A) – 1-2It’s the first time they’ve ever beaten the Gunners away from home. 🍒 pic.twitter.com/WHsKOCyI7P— Squawka (@Squawka) May 3, 2025 Iraola’s men handed the Gunners their first defeat of the season last October (2-0) and then beat them again at Emirates yesterday (2-1), though Mikel Arteta’s crew is more focused on the UCL semi-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain.The Cherries were on the verge of a double against Man United as well, and only thanks to Rasmus Hojlund and his added-time leveller a week ago (1-1) did the Red Devils avoid Arsenal’s fate. In the two rivals’ first match of the season, Bournemouth easily conquered Old Trafford (3-0).Hojlund scores the later equalizer against Bournemouth (©Reuters/Paul Childs/Gallo Images)The club from Vitality Stadium remained unbeaten against Tottenham, too, noting a win and a draw. In Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen scored a winner for the home team, while Spurs barely managed to avoid defeat in London despite being 2-0 down 25 minutes before the end of the game.Although they didn’t shine this season, Chelsea gave only one point to Cherries, becoming one of six teams to win at Vitality. In the fourth round, Christopher Nkunku’s late winner brought three points on the road to the Blues. However, at Stamford Bridge, Reece James’ free-kick banger levelled the score in the 95th minute, snatching the whole spoils from Bournemouth.Reece James brilliant Free kick goal against Bournemouth in 4k.#CFCpic.twitter.com/XxSbehkYBZ— CFC Plays (@CFCplays) January 16, 2025 The Cherries faced Man City twice in the ongoing campaign, though only once in the EPL, as the duel at Etihad is scheduled for May 20. In the south of England, the home team triumphed 2-1 and thus marked the beginning of the Cityzens’ unprecedented Premier League crisis.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Yet, Pep Guardiola’s men took their vengeance in the FA Cup quarter-finals a month ago, eliminating the rivals 2-1, despite being down at the break.Finally, the champions Liverpool were the only ones from the elite to note a double against Bournemouth, recording two clean-sheet victories – 3-0 at Anfield and 2-0 on the road, which is another proof that the Reds deserved the title they won.Bournemouth serving defeats to the big six like.. pic.twitter.com/gd8IRjG8IJ— Norman Mwambazi (@Kalnormzac) December 22, 2024 In general, Bournemouth won 18 out of 33 possible points against the “Big Six,” and their upcoming clash against Man City will provide their total tally. But regardless of that game’s outcome, Iraola’s team showed everyone they knew how to make the lives of the rich and mighty pretty miserable.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 35Friday Man. City – Wolverhampton 1-0 (1-0)/De Bruyne 35/Saturday Aston Villa – Fulham 1-0 (1-0)/Tielemans 12/Everton – Ipswich 2-2 (2-1)/Beto 26, McNeil 35 – Enciso 41, Hirst 79/Leicester – Southampton 2-0 (2-0)/Vardy 17, Ayew 44/Arsenal – Bournemouth 1-2 (1-0)/Rice 34 – Huijsen 67, Evanilson 75/Sunday 16.00: (1.65) Brentford (4.30) Man.Utd. (5.20)16.00: (3.00) Brighton (3.50) Newcastle (2.30)16.00: (2.25) West Ham (3.60) Tottenham (3.30)18.30: (2.25) Chelsea (3.70) Liverpool (3.15)***odds are subject to change***
