A pulsating contest shaped almost entirely by set-pieces saw Premier League leaders Arsenal secure a significant 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, stretching their unbeaten head-to-head run against the Blues to 11 matches (W8, D3).

Fresh from an emphatic 4-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal arrived with renewed belief after a brief wobble had allowed Manchester City to close the gap in the title race. Yet it was Chelsea who threatened first. Mamadou Sarr, handed his maiden league start, found space from a set-piece but failed to hit the target with a promising opportunity.

There were nervy moments at both ends early on. Robert Sanchez looked uneasy in possession and was nearly embarrassed when Eberechi Eze attempted an audacious lob from near halfway that drifted just wide.

Despite Chelsea’s encouraging start under Liam Rosenior, Arsenal struck first through their aerial prowess. Gabriel Magalhaes rose highest at the back post to head the ball across goal, where William Saliba nodded in from close range.

Chelsea responded with determination and nearly drew level before the break. David Raya produced a sharp save to prevent a deflected Declan Rice own goal, but from the resulting corner the visitors found parity. Reece James’ delivery caused chaos, and Piero Hincapié inadvertently diverted the ball over the line to make it 1-1.

With Arsenal targeting a 19th win in their last 26 Premier League London derbies, the responsibility was on them to respond after half-time. However, Chelsea looked the more dangerous side initially. Enzo Fernandez forced Raya into action with a low drive, while Joao Pedro tested the Spaniard with a close-range header.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s dominance from corners proved decisive once again. Registering a league-high 16th goal from a set-piece situation, they regained the lead when Jurrien Timber powered home Rice’s pinpoint delivery, leaving Sánchez with no chance.

Chelsea’s task became even tougher just four minutes later. Pedro Neto was shown a second yellow card for hauling down Gabriel Martinelli during a counter-attack, further compounding the Blues’ disciplinary woes this season.

Reduced to 10 men, Chelsea struggled to mount a meaningful comeback. Raya comfortably dealt with an ambitious cross-shot from Alejandro Garnacho, while Liam Delap saw a late effort ruled out for offside.

The victory extends Arsenal’s unbeaten league run to six matches (W4, D2), keeping them five points clear of Manchester City, albeit having played a game more in what is shaping up to be a gripping title race.

For Chelsea, the defeat represents a missed opportunity in the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification and brings an end to Rosenior’s previously unbeaten seven-game league start (W4, D2).