Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea: Saka scores a wonder goal as the Gunners box the Blues on Boxing Day

Goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka, and Bukayo Saka sealed a deserved win for a young Gunners side, with Frank Lampard’s Premier League title contenders turning in a deeply disappointing performance at the Emirates.

The action:

A young Gunners side repaid Arteta’s faith with a superb opening 45 minutes and were well worth their two-goal lead at the interval. Kieran Tierney gave Reece James the slip on the byline just past the half-hour mark, and was then brought down in a tangle of legs as referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. Following a VAR review, the decision stood, and Lacazette sent Edouard the wrong way with a cool penalty. A minute before half-time, N’Golo Kante brought down Saka 30 yards from goal, and Xhaka stepped up to curl in a stunning effort high to the left of Mendy, leaving the Chelsea goalkeeper with no chance. Lampard responded by bringing on Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho for Mateo Kovacic and Timo Werner at the interval, with the German, in particular, looking off the pace. Chelsea started with a renewed vigor, but the next goal was always going to be crucial - and it went to the hosts as Saka’s cross from the right of the box floated over Mendy and into the top corner. Arsenal could and should have added a fourth through Martinelli, while Tammy Abraham added a late consolation goal for Chelsea following a lengthy VAR review for offside. Chelsea threatened a late comeback as Mason Mount won a penalty off Pablo Mari, but Bernd Leno saves well from substitute Jorginho to make the victory secure. The win is a huge boost for Arteta following a string of poor results in recent months, while a 3-0 reverse will set alarm bells ringing at Stamford Bridge given the nature of the performance.