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Arsenal earned a massive three points in a frenetic London derby against Chelsea, restoring their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with nine games to play.
Arsenal took the lead in classic fashion, from a set-piece, the Saka corner swung in to Gabriel at the back post. His reversed header flicked toward goal by his defensive teammate William Saliba, and then Mamadou Sarr’s touch took it in past a shaky Robert Sanchez.
Just before the break, however, the visitors were level, Piero Hincapie’s headed flick ending up in his own net. Chelsea started the second half the better side, but the Gunners rallied and from another corner Jurrien Timber headed them back in front.
With Gabriel Martinelli free and clear, Pedro Neto was sent off for a second yellow, his first earned for protesting Timber’s earlier goal. This relieved plenty of the pressure on Arsenal as the Gunners pushed on to win.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
David Raya – Was arguably fouled in the melee at the first corner before the second was headed in by Piero Hincapie. Had to make a great backwards diving save in the process.
Saved well from Pedro Neto’s right-footed strike from outside the box. Had to deal strongly with many crosses and did so brilliantly. Right at the end, a curling ball into the box from Garnacho was clawed out of nestling in the side-netting. 9
Jurrien Timber – Had a great chance set up by Saka after a counterattack fell to him, but couldn’t find the strike. His determined performance was rewarded as he ghosted into the right area at the right time in the box to head in a Rice delivery. 9
William Saliba – The right place, the right time and the right man to flick toward the goal for the opening goal. However, he became susceptible to the nerves and was caught on the ball at the back by Cole Palmer, which gave up a corner. 8
Gabriel – Great leap and a reversed header from the corner for the opening goal. Tried to find several balls in behind this game for Gyokeres but couldn’t quite make it work. 8
Piero Hincapie – After having such a strong half, he ended the first with an own goal, as his header from a Chelsea corner found his own net. Thankful to have had the winner repair his error, he deserved appreciation for this display. 7
Martin Zubimendi – Nearly cost his teammates with another back pass that David Raya had to be alert to stop. It was not his best game in an Arsenal shirt. 5
Declan Rice – Potentially lucky to escape a penalty being awarded for handball. Not his best game in an Arsenal shirt and played a terrible ball back which cost his side a corner too. 6
Eberechi Eze – After his excellent display against Tottenham, he looked second to every single ball in this game. Finally came alive in the final ten minutes seeing a shot low to Sanchez’s right saved well. 6
Bukayo Saka – A classic corner delivery to the back post for the opening Arsenal goal. He was a very bright spark again after his derby performances and was worthy of plenty of plaudits. 8
Viktor Gyokeres – Had a couple of chances to run at the Blues’ back line and was a constant threat in behind, but couldn’t quite find the right touch. 6
Leandro Trossard – Began to frustrate the supporters by not releasing the ball soon enough and then either misplacing a pass or taking liberties in his own half. After another mistake in the second half, Arteta turned to the bench and wanted Gabriel Martinelli on immediately. 4
Substitutes:
Gabriel Martinelli – Was fouled by Pedro Neto as he escaped down the left flank, and was fouled. Looked dangerous after coming on, a nightmare for James when at full speed. 7
Kai Havertz – Came on to replace Gyokeres to great applause. Some nice touches and moments as he fights his way back into form. 6
Christian Norgaard – A rare Premier League appearance for the Dane, replacing Declan Rice. 6
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