Eddie Nketiah’s brace led Arsenal to a 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a crucial win for their top-four aspirations.
Three times Arsenal went in front on the night, the first coming through the 22-year-old striker who coolly slotted past Edouard Mendy after a scuffed backpass from Andreas Christensen.
Timo Werner’s deflected shot brought Chelsea level soon afterwards, but the Gunners retook the lead in some style when Bukayo Saka raced down the right flank before squaring for Martin Odegaard who teed up Emile Smith Rowe for a precise low finish from 20 yards.
Mason Mount’s superb inswinging cross from the left flank was met by an equally smart finish from Cesar Azpilicueta to bring the Blues level a second time just after the half-hour mark.
Nketiah ultimately sealed the game 12 minutes into the second half when Malang Sarr’s touch fell into his path and he poked past the goalkeeper.
Saka was dragged down off the ball in the area by Azpilicueta in the final minute and the England forward got up to send Mendy the wrong way from the spot, with his first penalty since missing in the shoot-out for England last summer.
Arsenal are now level on points with Tottenham but with an inferior goal difference. Chelsea are five points clear in third.
