Arsenal FC strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea FC at the Emirates Stadium, extending their unbeaten head-to-head run against the Blues to 11 matches (W8, D3).
Fresh from a 4-1 win over Tottenham, Arsenal entered the contest looking to maintain their advantage over Manchester City FC.
However, it was Chelsea who threatened first, as Mamadou Sarr, making his first league start, miscued an effort from a set-piece.
At the other end, Robert Sánchez was nearly caught out when Eberechi Eze attempted an audacious effort from near the halfway line that drifted narrowly wide.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior would have been pleased with his side’s early composure, but Arsenal made their breakthrough from a corner.
Gabriel Magalhães won a header at the back post and redirected the ball across goal for William Saliba to nod home. Chelsea nearly levelled before halftime when David Raya clawed away what looked destined to be an own goal from Declan Rice.
Yet moments later, from the resulting corner, Piero Hincapié inadvertently turned Reece James’ cross into his own net to make it 1-1.
Chelsea continued to pose problems after the restart. Enzo Fernández tested Raya with a powerful strike, while João Pedro forced another sharp save with a header.
Arsenal, though, once again capitalised on a set-piece. From their league-high 16th corner, Rice delivered a precise ball that Jurriën Timber converted to restore the hosts’ lead.
Chelsea’s hopes were dealt a further blow when Pedro Neto received a second yellow card for a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Despite late efforts, including a cross-shot from Alejandro Garnacho that Raya parried away and a disallowed goal from Liam Delap, Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser.
The result leaves Arsenal unbeaten in six league matches (W4, D2) and five points clear at the summit, albeit with Manchester City holding a game in hand. For Chelsea, the defeat ends Rosenior’s unbeaten league start and dents their push for UEFA Champions League qualification.
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