Arsenal restored their five point lead at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday after a hard fought 2–1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
William Saliba opened the scoring in the 20th minute, rising highest inside a crowded box to nod home from a well delivered corner. It was the defender’s first league goal of the season and it set the tone in a contest that was largely dictated by set pieces.
Chelsea found their way back into the game deep into first half stoppage time. A corner delivery caused confusion in the Arsenal area and Piero Hincapie inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to send both sides into the break level.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams threatening from dead ball situations. Arsenal regained the lead in the 65th minute when Jurrien Timber powered home a header from another corner. The goal underlined Arsenal’s growing reputation as one of the most dangerous sides in the league from set plays.
Chelsea’s task became more difficult when Pedro Neto was sent off with 20 minutes remaining after receiving a second yellow card. Despite the numerical advantage, Arsenal were made to work for the result as Chelsea pushed forward in search of another equaliser.
Goalkeeper David Raya proved decisive in the closing stages, producing key saves to deny Enzo Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho, while a late Chelsea effort was ruled out for offside.
The result stretched Arsenal’s unbeaten run against the Blues to 11 matches and kept them firmly in control of the title race with nine games left to play.
Arsenal will now turn attention to their midweek league clash away to Brighton before shifting focus to domestic and European cup assignments.
