Arsenal FC underlined their growing credentials as serious title contenders in the Premier League after securing a hard-fought 2–1 victory against rivals Chelsea FC at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners started brightly and were rewarded in the 21st minute when defender William Saliba powered home the opener to hand the hosts an early advantage.
Chelsea responded just before the break as pressure inside the Arsenal penalty area forced an own goal from Piero Hincapie in stoppage time (45+2 minutes), restoring parity and sending both sides into halftime level at 1–1.
READ ALSO: Arsenal Drop Points After 1–1 Away Draw With Brentford
Arsenal regained control in the second half and found the decisive breakthrough in the 66th minute through Jurrien Timber, whose composed finish restored the Gunners’ lead.
Chelsea’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a major setback four minutes later when Nato P. received a second yellow card in the 70th minute, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Despite late pressure, Arsenal held firm to seal the 2–1 victory, strengthening their push at the top end of the table and further boosting confidence in their title ambitions this season.
