Visiting North London outfit Arsenal snapped their three-match losing run with an entertaining 4-2 victory against fellow Londoners Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge in the latest chapter of the North-West London Derby on Wednesday night.
Coach Mikel Arteta handed a surprise start to Eddie Nketiah as fellow striker Alexander Lacazette settled for a place on the bench but the Englishman soon repaid his manager’s faith by opening the scoring in the 13th minute – albeit through a costly error from Blues defender Andreas Christensen.
But the Gunners’ lead did not last long though as German international Timo Werner restored parity just four minutes later. Arsenal again went in front once again through Emile Smith-Rowe only to be pegged back by another Blues equalizer as skipper Cesar Azpilicueta ensured scores were level going into the break.
The second half continued with renewed vigour from both sides but it was the Gunners who went in front again through Eddie Nketiah who gathered the ball off a rebound inside the box and fired home into the bottom left corner.
The tie was effectively over when Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta fouled Bukayo Saka to gift the visitors a penalty. The Englishman dusted himself up to net his 11th goal of the season and Arsenal’s fourth on the night to seal the three precious points on offer.
Arsenal have now moved level on points with fellow North London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs as they battle for the all-important UEFA Campions League spot, while Chelsea who reached a third consecutive FA Cup Final over the weekend are just five points ahead of the chasing pack, though with a game in hand over their two nearest top-four rivals.
The defeat to Arsenal sees Chelsea fall to a third consecutive home defeat for the first time since 1993.
Apex Football News 