Arsenal produced one of their best performances of the season to stun Chelsea 3-1 in the penultimate London derby of 2020.
Mikel Arteta has endured a nightmare season at the Emirates thus far, overseeing the worst Premier League start for the Gunners as well as their worst home record since 1959.
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However, after injecting some much-needed youth and vitality into his line-up with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli, the Spaniard got a deserved Christmas present.
The Gunners looked lively from the start and took the lead when Kieran Tierney was brought down by Reece James in the box. With regular penalty specialist and talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the bench, Alexandre Lacazette stepped up and sent Edouard Mendy the wrong way.
Going into the break with a one-goal lead would have been satisfactory, but Granit Xhaka doubled the lead for the hosts with a perfectly executed free kick after Bukayo Saka was fouled.
Frank Lampard threw on Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho in a desperate attempt to claw back a way into the game, but it was Saka who effectively sealed the game.
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The winger was full of promise and attacking threat all evening and got his reward when his attempted right-footed cross sailed pass the despairing Mendy to clatter in off the post.
Chelsea had the chance to make a game of it in north London after Tammy Abraham nudged the ball past Bernd Leno and then Pablo Mari brought down Mason Mount.
However, the German shot-stopper was not swayed by Jorginho’s hopping and skipping and saved low to his left hand side to halt the Chelsea comeback.
After an insipid performance against West Ham on Monday, Lampard must gather his troops before they welcome high-flying Aston Villa to SW6 on Monday evening.
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The Blues had the chance to move into second and overtake Leicester City, but it is Arsenal who climb up the table to 14th place after their first win since November 1 against Manchester United.
More to follow…
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