Getty Images
Arsenal will maintain their five-point lead atop the Premier League table for at least another few days, securing a 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday as a batch of familiar habits – good and bad – were on full display for both sides.
The Gunners were in a steady rhythm for much of the first half, at times living up to the stereotype of being overly dependent on set pieces. Even as they commanded possession and outshot the Blues, quality chances were few and far between but corners remain Arsenal's cheat code and they took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to a tried-and-true routine. An inswinging corner meant Gabriel connected with it on the far post, allowing William Saliba to connect from close range on the other end of the goal.
As cliché as the Gunners' advantage was, though, the Blues did little to insert themselves into the first half. Chelsea's inconsistent attack was on full display with just three shots and none on target, posting just 0.41 expected goals before the break while the Gunners had 0,7. Liam Rosenior's side, though, were able to give the hosts a taste of their own medicine just before the break – Reece James' well-placed corner came off Piero Hincapie and forced the Arsenal defender to score an own goal just before the break.
It was a tale of two halves for Chelsea, who had wind in their sails after the break and kept finding themselves in meaningful goalscoring positions. There was some disconnect when it came to the final pass, though, and Arsenal found a different set-piece strategy that worked for them – they would find a loose ball and send it out for a corner, the Blues managing little despite taking five corners after the halftime break.
Chelsea had five shots and 0.6 expected goals in the second half but rued their missed chances, Arsenal once again benefitting from a corner in the 66th minute. This time, it was Declan Rice who connected with Jurien Timber, the latter scoring the eventual game-winner.
Things went from bad to worse for the Blues just four minutes later, when Pedro Neto received a second yellow card. Neto did not cover himself in glory in the process – his first yellow was for dissent, making him vulnerable to a second for the tackle he committed on Gabriel Martinelli minutes later. Chelsea have now reached a club record of seven red cards in league play this season, two shy of the Premier League's single-season record, and have nine across all competitions this campaign.
The Gunners have a five-point lead over Manchester City with nine games to go, though City have a game in hand. Premier League action resumes midweek with Arsenal traveling to Brighton and Hove Albion and City hosting relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, both matches taking place on Wednesday.
Join the Conversation