Arsenal stun Chelsea in six-goal thriller to reignite top-four charge

BY: BLACKCOIN

Arsenal boosted their hopes of playing Champions League football next season with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Chelsea in an entertaining London derby played on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Arsenal went into the match on the back of three consecutive defeats and were aware another defeat would all but end their hopes of returning to Europe. 

The match got off to an electrifying start with both teams eager to assert their dominance. 

Arsenal's energy caught the hosts by surprise, with the three-man defense consisting of Malang Sarr, Reece James and Andreas Chrstitnens unable to cope with the Gunners' frontline. 

It was the hosts who got the first chance when Mason Mount fired a corner kick right at goal and only a defender’s headed clearance prevented a goal.

The Gunners however took a surprise lead when Christensen's backpass was intercepted by Eddie Nketiah, who easily beat Edouard Mendy. 

The lead lasted just four minutes as Timo Werner pulled Chelsea level when a harmless shot took a deflection into the back of the net. 

With both teams creating chances at will, it was the Gunners who regained their lead just before the half-hour mark with a beautiful team goal scored by Emile Smith Rowe from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner.

It was all square five minutes later though as Chelsea equalised in what became an open contest. 

Cesar Azpilicueta was released inside the box by a superb lofted pass from Mason Mount, and he beat Ramsdale at the near post. 

The Blues made half-time changes, with Thiago Silva replacing Christensen who had a torrid time coping with the pace of the Gunners' frontline. 

Chelsea were once again caught napping just before the hour-mark as Azpilcueta's poor pass was intercepted leading to Arsenal's third goal of the night. 

Chelsea battled to get their way back into the match, but the Gunners held on and were given the chance to nick maximum points deep in added time as Azpilicueta was adjudged to have brought down Bukayo Saka inside the box, leading to a penalty.

Saka easily beat Mendy from the spot to ensure Mikel Arteta left Stamford Bridge with maximum points. 

The win drew the Gunners level on points with Tottenham Hotspur with six games to go.