Arsenal strengthen their lead at the top of the Premier League

After thrashing neighbours Tottenham 4–1 in the previous round, Arsenal repeated the feat at the Emirates Stadium, this time against stronger opposition, restoring their five-point lead over closest challengers Manchester City, who have played one match fewer.

The Gunners now have 64 points at the top of the table, having played one game more than reigning champions City, who edged Leeds United 1–0 on Saturday.

Set pieces prove decisive

Arsenal once again relied on their preferred route to goal from set pieces, particularly corners, with their defence playing a key role. French defender William Saliba opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a headed pass from Brazilian teammate Gabriel. Dutch defender Jurriën Timber added the second in the 66th minute, while Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié inadvertently scored an own goal in first-half stoppage time.

Chelsea played the final twenty minutes with ten men after Portuguese winger Pedro Neto was sent off for two yellow cards within three minutes (70).

Manager Mikel Arteta’s side further underlined their dominance over Chelsea, recording their eighth win in the last eleven meetings across all competitions.

Chances at both ends

The match featured opportunities for both teams, though the hosts struck first through Saliba’s header following a corner routine that fell to Gabriel, whose knockdown was finished into the net.

Chelsea equalised in similar fashion, but Hincapié diverted the ball into his own net past Spanish goalkeeper David Raya.

Arsenal regained the lead from another corner, delivered by Declan Rice and headed home by Timber.

Four minutes later, Neto received his second booking for a foul on substitute Gabriel Martinelli, reducing Chelsea to ten men. Raya then preserved the win with a stunning late save to deny Argentine substitute Alejandro Garnacho in stoppage time.