Chelsea took all three points in today's Big Match through two late goals from Jorginho and Tammy Abraham after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Arsenal the lead.
Arsenal had been associated under Unai Emery with slow starts but they came racing out the blocks for this one. It was the best the Gunners had started in ages as the trio of Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson caused the Chelsea defence all sorts of problems. A goal is what Arsenal deserved and they duly got it, as Aubameyang headed in after Calum Chambers flicked on from a corner routine. Lacazette should've scored a second but took a touch when shooting would've been a better option.
After the poor defeat last time out to Southampton, Chelsea fans may have feared the worst with how the opening twenty minutes had panned out. The game arguably changed when Calum Chambers had to be withdrawn through injury. It created a lull in the game and Arsenal never regained their impetus. Chelsea, though, did not improve and Frank Lampard made an early change as Emerson was substituted for Jorginho as 3-4-2-1 became 4-3-3. That substitution would be key in the end result.
The second half was largely the same as the end of the first. Abraham had a shot blocked as Chelsea looked to find an equaliser but the best chance fell to Joe Willock. He flashed an effort just past the post as Kepa Arizaballaga stood and watched. The game came alive when Jorginho, already booked, brought down an Arsenal player which should've resulted in a second yellow. Arsenal players were irate that the referee did not send Jorginho off and that would prove decisive.
Chelsea hadn't created any clear cut chances but would equalise. A free kick was swept in and Bernd Leno, flying off his line, missed the ball completely allowing Jorginho to tap into an empty net. Whether or not he should've been on the field, it was a massive error from Leno and Arsenal would be published again. Abraham twisted and turned in the box a few minutes later, unleashing a low shot going through the legs of Leno. In the blink of an eye, Arsenal had gone from an impressive win to losing another match.
Arsenal could not find a leveller despite seven added minutes - due to a serious head collision - so Arteta's first home match ended in defeat. Chelsea stay in fourth with a much needed win while Arsenal remain six points above the drop zone.
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