Arsenal (opens in a new tab) regained the Premier League top spot with a 1-0 London derby win over Chelsea (opens in a new tab) during Sunday’s midday kick-off.
Gabriel’s 63rd-minute goal – the slightest touch from a poorly defended Bukayo Saka corner – proved to be the difference between the two sides at a soggy Stamford Bridge.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are two points clear of Manchester City (opens in a new tab) after 13 games and – with just one round of fixtures to go before the league pauses for the World Cup – will pave the way for Christmas if they beat Wolves (opens in a new tab) next Saturday (or if City drop points against Brentford (opens in a new tab)).
As for the Blues, after last weekend’s 4-1 humiliation at Brighton, they have now suffered successive league defeats for the first time since December 2020 – when they lost to Everton. (opens in a new tab) and Wolves towards the end of Frank Lampard’s tenure.
The pair of results will have served as a double wake-up call for Graham Potter – whose side did not put Arsenal under any form of concerted pressure until around the last 10 minutes – ahead of Wednesday’s third Carabao Cup clash with Man City. and Saturday’s tough trip to Newcastle in form (opens in a new tab).
