Arsenal boosted their premier league title ambitions with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over 10-man Chelsea in a London derby played at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured the win through goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, while Chelsea drew level earlier through an own goal by Piero Hincapie before Pedro Neto was later sent off.
Arsenal took the lead in the first half after a well-worked corner routine created confusion in the Chelsea defence.
Gabriel Magalhaes flicked Bukayo Saka’s corner into the danger area, allowing Saliba to head home and put the hosts ahead.
Chelsea responded just before half-time when Reece James delivered a dangerous corner that resulted in Hincapie turning the ball into his own net to make it 1–1.
Both sides continued to threaten from set-pieces after the break, but Arsenal regained the advantage in the 66th minute when Timber rose highest to head Declan Rice’s corner past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea’s hopes of staging a comeback suffered a major setback in the 70th minute when winger Pedro Neto was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Chelsea pushed for an equaliser late in the game, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial stoppage-time save to deny Alejandro Garnacho.
The victory restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the table ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.
Chelsea, meanwhile, dropped to sixth position after extending their winless run to three matches, dealing a blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.