Premier League leaders Arsenal earned an important 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, extending their unbeaten run against the Blues to 11 matches.
Arsenal came into the match full of confidence after beating Tottenham 4-1. However, it was Chelsea who had the first real chance. Mamadou Sarr, making his first Premier League start, got on the end of a set-piece but sent his effort wide.
At the other end, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez looked uncertain and was nearly caught out when Eberechi Eze tried a bold shot from near the halfway line, which just missed the target.
Chelsea started well, but Arsenal took the lead when Gabriel Magalhães headed the ball back across goal and William Saliba nodded it in. Just before half-time, Chelsea equalised. David Raya first made a good save to prevent an own goal from Declan Rice, but from the resulting corner, Piero Hincapié accidentally helped Reece James’ cross into the net.
In the second half, Chelsea again began brightly. Enzo Fernández tested Raya with a powerful shot, and João Pedro forced another save with a header from close range.
However, Arsenal regained the lead from yet another corner – their 16th league goal from a set-piece this season. Jurriën Timber met Declan Rice’s delivery and headed past Sánchez.
Chelsea’s task became even harder when Pedro Neto was sent off for a second yellow card after bringing down Gabriel Martinelli during a counter-attack. Reduced to 10 men, Chelsea struggled to respond. Raya later pushed away a dangerous effort from Alejandro Garnacho, and Liam Delap had a late goal ruled out for offside.
Arsenal are now unbeaten in six league matches and sit five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Chelsea missed the chance to strengthen their position in the race for Champions League qualification, and Liam Rosenior’s unbeaten start in the league came to an end after seven matches.
