Arsenal bounced back to the top of the Premier League with a convincing 3-1 win over London rivals Chelsea, who suffered their sixth successive defeat under interim boss Frank Lampard.
Captain Martin Odegaard scored twice, while Gabriel Jesus added a third before half-time. Recalled Noni Madueke hit a consolation goal for Chelsea. Arsenal had not won any of their previous four games, but manager Mikel Arteta had refused to rule them out of the title race.
The victory took them two points clear of Manchester City, but City had played two games fewer and were in fine form ahead of their midweek visit to West Ham.
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Arsenal dominated from the start, with Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka testing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the early stages. The hosts deservedly took the lead when Odegaard finished off a Xhaka cross.
The pair combined again for Arsenal’s second, with Odegaard netting his 14th goal of the season. Chelsea had a chance to hit back through Ben Chilwell, but Aaron Ramsdale saved his shot. Arsenal continued to dominate, with Gabriel Magalhaes heading a corner towards goal and Xhaka coming close to scoring.
Lampard substituted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at half-time after a poor performance, but Arsenal continued to dominate. Jesus missed a chance to score, while Madueke scored Chelsea’s second Premier League goal in eight games. Despite late pressure from Chelsea, Arsenal’s defence held firm to secure the win.
While it was a night to remember for Arsenal captain Odegaard, Aubameyang will want to forget his return to Chelsea.
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