After our Carabao Cup semi-final triumphs over Chelsea earlier this year, this Premier League encounter had massive implications for our title push. The atmosphere at the Emirates was electric, and Nicolas Jover's set-piece routines proved to be the difference-maker.
Set-Piece Kings
Every goal in this match came from a corner. We struck first in the 21st minute. A Bukayo Saka corner was beautifully kept alive by Gabriel Magalhães, allowing his center-back partner William Saliba to nod the ball home.
Chelsea found a lifeline just before half-time under unfortunate circumstances. Another corner resulted in Piero Hincapie inadvertently diverting the ball into his own net.
Timber's Moment
The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute. Once again, it was a corner routine. Declan Rice whipped in a phenomenal cross, and Jurrien Timber rose highest to head us back into the lead.
The task became slightly easier when Chelsea's Pedro Neto was dismissed after receiving two quick yellow cards, reducing them to ten men for the final 20 minutes. Despite being a man down, Chelsea threatened late on, with David Raya forced into crucial saves and Liam Delap having a goal correctly ruled out for offside.
"To win big matches you need different weapons. Today, our preparation on set-pieces was the key to unlocking the game," Arteta explained.
The win restored our five-point lead at the top. The march continues!
Man of the Match: William Saliba 🇫🇷
Opened the scoring and was an absolute rock at the back amidst late Chelsea pressure.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/