
Centre-back Gabriel put Arsenal back on top of the Premier League with the winner in their high noon showdown.
A clumsy error by Chelsea’s normally super-cool defender Thiago Silva allowed the defender just enough time and space to prod the ball over the line from a corner in the 63rd minute of a tight London derby.
Veteran centre-half Silva completely missed his attempt at a clearance from a corner by Bukayo Saka on the edge of the six-yard box. The embarrassing air-kick meant the ball fell to fellow Brazilian Gabriel who was able to stab the ball home from less than a yard out.
Arsenal were in control from start to finish even though it took a howler from the opposition to gift them the breakthrough in a tense lunchtime match.
The game kicked off at midday because of three other games in the capital with West Ham and Tottenham also at home. Gabriel’s scruffy goal is only his second of the season and first since August 27 against Fulham.
As well as leapfrogging Manchester City to reclaim top spot in the table, this win marks the third in a row for Arsenal at Stamford Bridge – a ground where they have traditionally struggled in the past.
Chelsea slumped to their second Premier League defeat in a row and were way below par. Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang suffered constant stick from the away fans and failed to rise to the occasion against his old club.
- The Sun