Emile Smith Rowe’s first-half strike helped Arsenal to a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and ensured the Gunners’ first league double over the Blues since the 2003-04 season.
The 20-year-old continued his fine form and netted for the second consecutive game, following Jorginho’s calamitous mistake.
Christian Pulisic thought he had got his team back in the game when he bundled in from close-range, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to break down their London rivals, but came close in injury time when they hit the crossbar twice in a matter of seconds.
Chelsea went into the London derby with the momentum
Chelsea came into the game having beaten now-champions Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad, whereas Arsenal managed to pick themselves up after their Europa League disappointment with a 3-1 victory over West Brom.
After a sustained period of possession, the familiar sight of an Arsenal player giving the ball away without any pressure nearly led to the opener.
Gabriel sold his Brazilian fellow compatriot Pablo Mari short with a pass which was latched onto by the lively Kai Havertz.
The German’s first touch took him through on goal with only the keeper to beat, however his attempted chip sailed high over the crossbar.
Arsenal take the lead through a Chelsea calamity
Shortly after, the away side started to grow into the game and forced an unlikely mistake out of Jorginho, through some organised pressing from the front.
Jorginho’s blind back pass forced Kepa Arrizabalaga to scramble towards his own goal and throw himself at the ball in order to keep it out.
Luckily for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was first to react, picking up the loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box to roll into the path of Smith Rowe for an easy finish.
Chelsea unable to breach Arsenal in the second half
The theme of Chelsea dominance continued into the second half and it looked to pay off when Pulisic bundled the ball home from a corner. VAR quickly intervened to rule the strike out as the American had strayed offside in his attempt to reach Havertz’s flick on.
Mikel Arteta’s side appeared content with their lead and sat deeper as the game drew to a close. However, it nearly came back to haunt them as the home team hit the woodwork twice in a matter of moments.
Mason Mount’s cross was directed towards goal by Kurt Zouma, forcing Bernd Leno to tip his effort onto the crossbar with an outstanding save.
Substitute Oliver Giroud followed up with a fierce volley on his weaker foot only to see his shot cannon back off the bar and back into play.
What the result means for both teams
The Gunners defended resolutely in the closing stages to claim a 1-0 victory on the night and their first league double over Chelsea in 17 years.
This result puts significant pressure on Chelsea in their final two league games in order to secure qualification for the Champions League via the top four. Meanwhile for Arsenal it keeps them in contention for a Europa League spot depending on the results of others around them in the table.
