Arsenal without a top-four finish since 2016, have beaten Tottenham and Liverpool at home prior to edging Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal leapfrogged Manchester City to return to the top of the English Premier League (EPL) table after an impressive display at West London.
The Gunners went into the game knowing they had to win to return to the summit after their main challenger, Man City got a late win against Fulham despite going 10 men down.
Arteta’s men started brightly at Stamford Bridge with Gabriel Martinelli curling a shot over the crossbar and Gabriel Jesus failed to hit the target with a diving header when unmarked.
ALSO READ: Paul Merson says Jesus not good enough ahead of Chelsea clash
The visitors eventually got a deserved lead in the 63rd minute when Gabriel pounced to score from a right-wing corner kick by Bukayo Saka.
Chelsea, with ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to make an impact against his former side, struggled to create clear-cut chances and are now without a win in four Premier League matches.
For Arsenal, it was a chance to show their title credentials as they look to become English champions for the 14th time – but the first since 2003-04 when their ‘Invincibles’ went through an entire league campaign without losing.
The Gunners, without a top-four finish since 2016, have beaten Tottenham and Liverpool at home this season, although they tamely lost 3-1 at Manchester United in September.