Three consecutive defeats meant a big performance was desperately required from Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening, and they certainly delivered.
It was an end to end spectacle which brought out the best and the worst sides of both teams, but fortunately for the Gunners, enough was done to ensure all three points returned to north London.
Mikel Arteta's decision to start Eddie Nketiah ahead of Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli paid off, with the 22-year-old taking advantage of some poor Chelsea defending to score twice. Emile Smith Rowe also got on the scoresheet after finding the bottom corner superbly following a nice attacking move before Bukayo Saka wrapped things up from the spot in the 92nd minute.
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Arsenal did have some shaky moments of their own, losing the lead on two occasions and allowing Thomas Tuchel's men back into the game. It wasn't the greatest of performances and things could have been wrapped up earlier. However, it was a team effort that got the job done and that's all you can ask for.
The win means Arsenal climb up to fifth place, level on points with rivals Tottenham Hotspur. A visit from Manchester United on Saturday now awaits but supporters will enjoy tonight while it lasts. Here's what a few of them had to say on Twitter at full-time.
@sheth_happens: I'm not sure there's a single Arsenal fan that can explain how our team lost to Palace, Brighton & Southampton but pulled a win against Chelsea. Superb performance tonight, play this way till the end of the szn & top 4 is ours. COYG!
@IvanTorres2002: I’m so glad we used Elneny. His workout is amazing, he is way better than Sambi and should be in the starting eleven for the rest of the season. Also Superb from Rob as well.
@saltimes: Even after 3 defeats, I always believed that we could beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Always had faith in Super Mik Arteta and the Gunners. Amazing win lads. We're back in the race for top 4. Let's beat United on Saturday and keep the party going.
@_IKENNA_: GREAT fight by the boys! Eddie was scrappy up top & we got some good bounces. Magalhães saved two goals & put a great pass for Cedric too & Saka you can tell has been practising penalties because that was emphatic! LET'S GO!
@nachibouy: So happy to see Saka and ESR in double figures for the season in PL. The lads have come a long way. Also loved Martinelli's cameo there. Never stopped running and should've had a goal but we move!
@J_Maack91: DREAMland. Never saw that coming but no one did. Excellent attacking performance. Still quite shaky at the back, especially 1st half, letting them back into it each time we scored. But 2nd half we were great. What a determined performance. Huge result. COYG.
@obazeley1979: Great result, very pleasing to see the positive reaction. Follow it up on Saturday!
