Arsenal defeated 10-man Chelsea 2-1 in a tense London derby on Sunday. The win strengthens Arsenal’s push for the English Premier League (EPL) title.
Mikel Arteta’s side scored twice from corners at the Emirates Stadium. However, they also conceded from a set-piece, which shows how important dead-ball situations have become this season.
Saliba Strikes, Chelsea Hit Back
Arsenal took the lead in the first half through William Saliba. The defender scored his first goal since December 2024 after a well-worked corner routine.
However, Chelsea responded just before the break. Piero Hincapie turned the ball into his own net from one of Reece James’ dangerous corners. As a result, the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
In the second half, Jurrien Timber restored Arsenal’s lead. He made a smart run and powered home a header from another corner.
Chelsea protested, claiming a foul on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Nevertheless, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Soon after, Pedro Neto received a red card for a second booking. Therefore, Chelsea had to play the final minutes with 10 men.
Title Race Intensifies
With this result, Arsenal reestablished a five-point lead over Manchester City F.C.. City had earlier reduced the gap with a 1-0 win at Leeds.
Importantly, Arsenal have now won back-to-back league matches. They followed their 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur F.C. with this hard-fought triumph.
Arsenal will next travel to Brighton with nine matches left in the season. Notably, they have just one league game remaining against a current top-six side — an away clash with Manchester City on April 18.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s third straight league match without a win dents their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
