Chelsea faced Arsenal in the Premier League tonight at Stamford Bridge. The home side came into the fixture in better form after their semi-final win on Sunday. Arsenal were on a run of three straight defeats and in need of a win to keep their top four hopes alive.
It was Arsenal who hit the front early. Christensen’s short back pass let Nketiah through one on one and the England u21 international slotted calmly past Mendy. Arsenal’s lead was short lived. Just four minutes later, Timo Werner’s deflected shot from outside the box found its way past Ramsdale to level the scoresheet. Ten minutes later, Arsenal restored their advantage. Emile Smith Rowe put his season tally into double figures with a beautifully accurate finish into the bottom right corner. However, once again Arsenal couldn’t hold their lead as Mount’s cross was poked home by Azpilicueta.
After 12 minutes in the second half Nketiah pounced again, poking the ball past Mendy to make it 3-2 to the Gunners. Chelsea tried their best to get back into it, but it was Arsenal who scored the games 6th goal. Bukayo Saka tucked home a penalty after some poor defending from Azpilicueta, sealing Arsenal’s derby win.
These are the top talking points from the Premier League game between Chelsea and Arsenal…
Nketiah the Star of the Show
Eddie Nketiah scored twice against the team that released him as a teenager. Many Arsenal fans were worried when they saw his name on the team sheet, having not scored in the league before tonight. But the 22-year-old was brilliant. Both on and off the ball, Nketiah was busy. Not giving defenders a moments peace and two clinical finishes, could he be the perfect Lacazette replacement?
Is Lukaku finished at Chelsea
Lukaku started his first game in the league since 19 February and its clear to see why. The Belgian was hauled off after 60 minutes after only 22 touches in the game. He didn’t look sharp. Chelsea don’t seem to be playing to his strengths and leaves one to wonder why he was ever signed. Could that have been his final start for Chelsea?
Arsenal favourites for Top 4?
Losing 3 from 3 before tonight, Arsenal really needed this. The Gunners now sit level on points with Spurs, only behind on goal difference. With only six games to go, that North London derby on 12th May is going to be huge. Arsenal have not qualified for the Champions League since 2016-17 and this will be their best chance to do so. Mikel Arteta seems to have turned this whole club around. Will Arsenal finish fourth?
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