Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 in a fiery London derby on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with the Blues finishing the match with 10 men. All three goals in the contest originated from corner kicks.
The Arsenal versus Chelsea clash at Emirates Stadium saw the Gunners break the deadlock through William Saliba in the 21st minute.
An own goal by Pierro Hincapie just before halftime leveled the score at 1-1 heading into the break. Arsenal reclaimed the lead courtesy of a 66th-minute strike from Jurrien Timber.
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Every goal scored in the match came from a set piece. Chelsea were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute after Pedro Neto received his second yellow card.
Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 54 points.
They now hold a five-point advantage over second-place Manchester City. Chelsea sits in sixth place with 45 points.
Match Highlights
Arsenal controlled the early stages of the match. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was nearly caught out in the 5th minute, almost losing possession to Victor Gyokeres, but managed to recover and clear the ball while falling.
In the 16th minute, Sanchez found himself out of position again, prompting a long-range effort from Eberechi Eze. Sanchez raced back to make a crucial save.
Goal! Arsenal took the lead in the 21st minute from a well-worked corner routine. Gabriel Magalhaes headed the ball towards the front post, where William Saliba was on hand to finish.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 01: William Saliba of Arsenal scores the opening goal via a deflection from Mamadou Sarr of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Sanchez was unable to react to the corner, with a crowd of players obscuring his view.
The Blues threatened from a corner of their own, with the ball striking Declan Rice’s arm and heading towards goal, but David Raya made a vital save.
Goal! Chelsea equalized from another corner kick in the 45+2nd minute. Reece James’ delivery was inadvertently headed into his own net by Piero Hincapie.
The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1.
Chelsea came out pressing after the break. Enzo Fernandez had a chance from just outside the box in the 52nd minute, but Raya was equal to it.
A minute later, another Chelsea corner created danger, with Joao Pedro’s header forcing a flying save from Raya.
Goal! Arsenal regained the lead from a corner in the 66th minute. Rice’s delivery was met by a powerful header from Jurrien Timber.
Chelsea players protested, claiming that Sanchez was impeded by a player in the box, but the goal stood.
Chelsea were reduced to 10 men when Pedro Neto received his second yellow card for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli in the 70th minute.
Sanchez made a brilliant save in the 82nd minute, denying Eze’s attempt to break through the defense.
In the closing moments, Chelsea had a goal disallowed for offside, as Liam Delap tapped in a rebound from Pedro’s shot, which Raya had saved.
Arsenal held on to win 2-1.
Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Sarr, Chalobah, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
(pur/mrp)
