Chelsea 0 Arsenal 1: Gabriel scores winner as dominant Gunners seal statement win and prove title credentials
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.
Gabriel broke the deadlock from close range at an Arsenal cornerRex
ReutersBoth Bukayo Saka and Gabriel initially claimed the goal but it was the Brazilian’s[/caption]
It was a miserable afternoon for Pierre-Emerick AubameyangReuters
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.
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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.
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He touched the ball just eight times all game before being substituted while Arsenal were celebrating their goal.
Arsenal’s defence in particular was superior in every way and deserve credit for the three points – in addition to centre-half Gabriel grabbing the winner.
Chelsea managed just one shot on target in 90 minutes and Gabriel Jesus should have scored in the first half when he failed to connect properly to a cross and headed wide with the goal gaping.
Ben White boosted his World Cup hopes massively with a comprehensive man-marking job on his England squad-mate Mason Mount.
No England players are reported injured from the game which is a huge blessing with the World Cup starting in just 13 days’ time.
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Aubameyang was booked for his late sliding tackle on Ben WhiteBT Sport
Mikel Arteta cut an animated figure on the sidelines throughoutRex
AlamyGabriel Jesus squandered the best chance of the first half with a diving header[/caption]
APSaka was all smiles at Stamford Bridge as Arsenal returned top[/caption]
