This was one of those must-see games for Arsenal. Leader of the Premier League more than ever in the race for the title, Mikel Arteta’s team welcomed its neighbor Chelsea this Sunday. An encounter that is not always very exciting in terms of spectacle, but with real intensity and palpable tension. The Blues also finished with ten men after the expulsion of Pedro Neto in the second half. At the final whistle, it was the Gunners who raised their arms to the sky (2-1). This victory gives them a five-point lead over Manchester City.
Lacking consistency in recent times (two draws and a victory, in all competitions), Chelsea nonetheless remained a strong opponent for an Arsenal team determined to achieve a second consecutive success against a London club after beating Tottenham on February 22 (1-4).
The scoreboard moved for the first time in the twenty-first minute of play, the moment chosen by William Saliba to open the scoring with a perfect header from a corner. But while they seemed to be heading towards a return to the locker room with this small goal in advance, the locals saw Pedro Hincapié score against his camp on a poorly cleared corner with his head (1-1, 45th + 2).
Arsenal solid leader, Chelsea falls back
Chelsea didn’t ask for that much but didn’t take advantage of this return to height for long. After the hour mark, Jurrien Timber restored the advantage to the Gunners on a serve from Declan Rice (2-1, 66th), for what will be the last goal of the match. But not the last adventure. For example, there will be these two yellow cards received in just three minutes by Pedro Neto, too nervous and therefore expelled (70th). Although outnumbered, Chesea finished the match better than his opponent.
Very dangerous chances in favor of the Blues followed one after another, particularly during stoppage time. But against them, David Raya pulled out all the stops to deflect hot balls on several occasions. In the last minute, Liam Delap even thought about holding the equalizer, but his goal was immediately refused for an obvious offside (90th + 6). This success allows Arsenal to maintain a small lead at the top of the standings. Chelsea continues a third match without success and finds itself sixth.
