Staff Reporter.
Arsenal put their pursuit of a place in the Premier League’s top four back on track as they ended a run of three defeats with a crucial victory at Chelsea.
The Gunners had slipped from looking in pole position to secure a place in next season’s Champions League but this win will provide renewed belief.
Eddie Nketiah was given the nod ahead of out-of-sorts Alexandre Lacazette in Arsenal’s attack and he rewarded manager Mikel Arteta’s faith when he took advantage of Andreas Christensen’s header with a composed finish in the 13th minute.
It was the start of a chaotic first half as Timo Werner equalised with a deflected shot four minutes later before Emile Smith Rowe showed a real touch of class to beat Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy from the edge of the area.
Chelsea were back on terms again before the break through captain Cesar Azpilicueta but Nketiah pounced on a series of defensive errors to put Arsenal back in front after 57 minutes.
Bukayo Saka was outstanding for Arsenal and he got the reward his performance deserved when he sealed the win from the spot in added time after he was hauled down by Azpilicueta.
The Gunners are now level on points with north London rivals Tottenham with a derby at Emirates Stadium still to come.
Meanwhile Manchester City restored their one-point advantage over Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with victory over a resolute Brighton.
Needing a win to reclaim top spot after Liverpool’s win over Manchester United, City were frustrated in the first half.
But Riyad Mahrez’s finish soon after the break eased the growing tension.
And a deflected strike from Phil Foden and neat effort from Bernardo Silva ensured City top spot with six games to go.
The next round of fixtures are at the weekend, with City hosting Watford on Saturday before Liverpool take on Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday.
Brighton leave with no points but can take heart from another competitive away display, coming after victories at Champions League-chasing Arsenal and Tottenham.
Elsewhere Richarlison scored a stoppage-time goal against Leicester City to earn Everton a precious point in their bid to stave off relegation and Newcastle United beat Crystal Palace to record a sixth consecutive win at St James’ Park and move on to 40 points in the Premier League.