The match was full of stoppages and it was three corners that marked its course. After the opening minutes in which Chelsea were more specific, Mamadou Sarr, in his first Premier League start, threatened after the break, but shot wide of the goal. At the other end, Robert Sanchez looked uncertain and was almost penalised when Eberechi Eze's attempt from almost half-way up the pitch ended just wide of the post.
Arsenal took the lead when Gabriel Magalhaes crossed the ball at the far post and William Saliba headed it into the net. Chelsea could have equalised before the break, but Raja made a spectacular save to deny Declan Rice's own goal. However, the resulting corner was headed into the net after Piero Hincapie clumsily deflected Reece James' cross over the goal line.
The visitors had their moments as Enzo Fernandes tested Ray with a powerful shot, while Joao Pedro threatened with a header from close range. However, Arsenal took advantage of the break again, for the 16th time this season, the most in the league, when Jurjen Timbers, after a cross from Ray, beat Sanchez to the ball.
The situation for Chelsea was further complicated when Pedro Neto received a second yellow card for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli, leaving his team with 10 men. Towards the end, Raja intervened once more, saving Alejandro Garnacho's effort, while Liam Delap had a goal disallowed for offside.
Arsenal are now unbeaten in six consecutive league matches (W4 D2) and are five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Chelsea, on the other hand, missed the chance to remain unbeaten in their eighth consecutive league match under Liam Rosenborg and have made it difficult for themselves to fight for the Champions League places.
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