ARSENAL 2-1 CHELSEA: Goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber saw the Gunners record one of their most-important and hard-fought victories of the season as they moved back five points clear at the top of the Premier League
18:30, 01 Mar 2026Updated 18:45, 01 Mar 2026
Mikel Arteta and David Raya
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Arsenal had David Raya to thank for victory following a string of top saves
Jurrien Timber headed a vital winner as Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League following a thrilling London derby against Chelsea.
William Saliba had forced the Gunners ahead in the first half before the visitors hit back before half-time courtesy of Piero Hincapie's own goal.
This was Liam Rosenior's 14th match as Chelsea boss and he has only suffered three defeats to date; all of which have been inflicted by Arsenal.
Winger Pedro Neto was also sent off for the Blues following a second yellow card in a fiery affair and it's a damaging result for Rosenior's side in their quest to secure Champions League qualification.
Liam Delap thought he'd equalised at the death but the goal was correctly chalked off by the linesman as Joao Pedro was in an offside position.
Here are five talking points from the Emirates Stadium.
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What Arsenal bench did after Darren England blunder
The game was on a knife edge when David Raya launched a long throw out to Arsenal's left flank to Leandro Trossard.
The Belgian controlled well and looked to spearhead a promising breakaway, only for referee Darren England to blow up.
Instead, England decided to bring play back for a foul which infuriated both the home crowd and the home bench.
So much so, Arteta and assistant Gabriel Heinze sprinted towards Stuart Attwell to question the call.
England did not have the best game by any stretch and it was hard to see why he did not allow Arsenal to attack after Raya threw long.
Minutes later, Arteta and Heinze was left furious again when Cole Palmer hauled down Bukayo Saka as Arsenal looked to launch a counter.
Palmer also attempted to swipe the legs of another Gunners player as they tried to dart up the pitch.
William Saliba
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William Saliba forced in the opener for Arsenal
Neto could face FA rap
Pedro Neto was incensed as he left the field following the second yellow card he received for fouling Gabriel Martinelli.
His dismissal was Chelsea's ninth in all competitions this season and incredibly nine different players have been given their marching orders - 10 including former boss Enzo Maresca.
But Neto could face a potential FA charge for his actions following the red as he had to be hauled away from the pitch once he'd walked around to the touchline by the tunnel.
As per FA regulations, Rule E3.1 covers improper conduct, acting in a confrontational/aggressive manner, or failing to leave the field promptly after a dismissal.
Players usually face this charge after arguing a red card and it could lead to a potential fine or ban.
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Referee Darren England (C) issues a red card to Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder #07 Pedro Neto (R) after his second yellow, during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Arsenal remain set-piece kings
William Saliba's opener was the 30th set-piece goal Arsenal have scored in all competitions this season.
The Premier League leaders remain the kings of dead-balls situations and have now mustered 24 goals from corners this term after Jurrien Timber's second-half winner.
That is a stunning record and while it may frustrate rivals, there is no denying Arsenal's remarkable set-piece record could yet give them an extra edge in the title race.
Manchester City might play the slicker, sharper football but the Gunners are efficient and it is very difficult to stop them profiting from Declan Rice's dangerous deliveries.
Raya battles through injury issue
David Raya was Arsenal's hero following a number of crucial stops and he actually battled on through the pain barrier.
He appeared to pick up a foot problem, believed to be from a Chelsea player standing on his boot.
However, he received treatment on the problem in both halves and the Arsenal physios also made checks on his left ankle prior to his brilliant stop to keep out Alejandro Garnacho cross.
The Spaniard appeared to be fine at full-time, however, as he left the field in a celebratory mood while miming Tequila by The Champs, which was bellowing out over the PA.
Arteta's Caicedo fury
Moises Caicedo is renowned for his combative style and he was certainly taking no prisoners in the first half.
The Ecuador international shoved his international team-mate Piero Hincapie near the side of the pitch, causing the Arsenal defender to stumble awkwardly towards the advertising hoardings.
Arteta was not best pleased; immediately charging towards the fourth official Stuart Attwell to make the point that not only was Caicedo's push unnecessary but it was not his first offence of the afternoon.
He had also shoved two other Arsenal stars in separate incidents and Arteta was keen to make the point that the £115million midfielder, who he once wanted to bring to the Emirates, was persistently being overly physical.
Arteta pointed towards Caicedo angrily when in dialogue with Attwell, though Caicedo still escaped a caution.
Jurrien Timber
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Jurrien Timber scored the winner for Arsenal
Shaky Sanchez
You have to admire Chelsea's persistence with Robert Sanchez because he really does leave you sitting nervously on the edge of your seat.
In the first half, he was so casual and lethargic in possession and in the second he was weak for Jurrien Timber's header from the corner.
While he has definitely improved, he remains an accident waiting to happen with the ball at his feet.
He was nearly caught out by Vikor Gyokeres in the first half while Ebere Eze tried to lob him from around the halfway line.
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The Spaniard was quick to protest Arsenal's second but he just needs to be stronger.