Arsenal have had a tough few weeks since their return from the international break. Defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton dented their top-four push, however they responded in style in midweek.
A huge win over London rivals Chelsea in their game in hand took the Gunners level with Tottenham in fourth. It was a frantic game at Stamford Bridge as four goals were scored in the first half.
Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe gave Mikel Arteta ’s side the lead twice, only to be pegged back by Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta. The second half saw the away side take control though, as Nketiah scored his second of the match before Bukayo Saka calmly slotted a penalty home in the last few minutes of the game.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Saka's penalty, Nketiah's display and top-four hopes
Arteta came out after the game to say he was proud of how his side performed: “I said to them if you want to be playing Champions League football you have to come to these big stages and beat the top teams. Tonight we’ve done it and I’m really proud of them tonight, but I’m more proud of how they’ve reacted to every defeat over the past few weeks.”
One of the key performers on the night was Smith Rowe. His finish took everyone by surprise as he waltzed to the edge of the area and passed the ball into the bottom corner, rather than striking with real force.
The 21-year-old took his tally up to ten goals in the Premier League this season, adding two assists to that in 28 appearances. Taking to Twitter after the game, he posted a picture of his goal celebration, with the message: “BIG 3 POINTS.”
It underlines just how important the win was for the side to regain momentum in their top-four charge. The England international may have to chip in with a couple more goals before the end of the season to aid the push, but he’s gone a long way to helping it so far.
