Arsenal boosted its hopes of playing football in the Champions League next season with a difficult 4-2 victory over Chelsea in the London entertainment derby, which was held on Wednesday evening at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal entered the match after three consecutive defeats, knowing that another defeat would kill their hopes of returning to Europe.
The match got off to an exciting start, with both teams wanting to assert their dominance.
Arsenal’s energy stunned the hosts, as the three-man defense of Malang Sar, Reece James and Andreas Christines was unable to tackle Arsenal’s frontline.
The hosts’ first chance came when Mason Mount hit a corner kick straight into the goal and only a head-turning defender prevented the goal from being scored.
However, Arsenal took a surprising lead when Christensen’s back pass was intercepted by Eddie Nketiah, who easily beat Edward Mendy.
The lead lasted only four minutes as Timo Werner lifted Chelsea’s level when a harmless shot veered into the net.
With both teams creating chances at will, it was Arsenal who regained their lead just before the half hour mark with a beautiful team goal scored by Emile Smith Rowe from the edge of the penalty area to the bottom right corner.
It was all in the box five minutes later even though Chelsea tied in what became an open competition.
Cesar Azpilicueta was fired into the penalty area with a superb pass from Mason Mount, and beat Ramsdale at the near post.
The Blues made changes in the first half, with Thiago Silva replacing Christensen, who was having a hard time adjusting to the pace of Arsenal’s frontline.
Chelsea were caught again just before the hour mark as Azpilicueta’s poor pass was blocked leading to Arsenal’s third goal of the night.
Chelsea struggled to get back into the game, but Arsenal held on and had the chance to score the most points in extra time as Azpilicueta was sentenced to drop Bukayo Saka inside the penalty area, which resulted in a penalty.
Saka easily beat Mendy from the penalty spot to ensure Mikel Arteta leaves Stamford Bridge with the maximum number of points.
The win returned Arsenal’s tally of points with Tottenham Hotspur six games ago.
