Arsenal ruined Christmas celebrations at Chelsea, winning by a landslide in London derby 3-1. The Gunners interrupted a run of seven games without a victory and returned to the path of success. Alexander Lakazet from a penalty, Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka were the goalscorers for Arsenal. Tammy Abraham scored for Chelsea at the end of the match, as his shot was the first accurate for The Blues in the match. In the added time Jorginho missed a penalty for Chelsea.
At the start of the game Arsenal had a slight territorial advantage, as the hosts managed to get two corners which didn’t pose any danger. In Arsenal’s first attack of the match after a cross from the right Thiago Silva failed to clear well and the ball hit Gabriel Martinelli, who without preparation sent the ball out of bounds.
At 13th minute came the first excellent opportunity for Chelsea. The Blues came to a direct free kick by Mount. The Englishman shot to the left corner, but unfortunately the ball bounced off the side post. Chelsea continued to increase the pressure that led Arsenal to often mistake in passing the ball. After a corner, Chelsea got a new opportunity, but Kurt Zuma header was away from the post.
Kieran Tierney was fouled by Reese James after a run from the left and referee Michael Oliver awarded Arsenal a penalty. The situation was reviewed by VAR, but in the end the referee’s decision was not overturned. Behind the ball stood Alexander Lacazette, who was ruthless for 1-0.
Seconds before half-time, Mikel Arteta’s boys struck second blow. After direct free kick in front of penalty area Xhaka hit the ball in the upper left corner of Mendy, leaving him helpless for the second time.
The third goal of the match fell in the 55th minute in a somewhat surprising way. Saka got in the penalty area on the right and tried to cross on the left flank. His pass did not work, but on the other hand he effectively hit the crossbar while leaving Chelsea goalkeeper perplexed.
Chelsea still found the strength to return one of the goals by Tammy Abraham five minutes before the end. The attacker scored with his chest after a cross from the right. The goal was initially canceled after the side referee raised the flag, but his decision was overruled by Michael Oliver after reviewing the situation with the help of VAR.
In the added time of the match, Chelsea got a penalty after Mari fouled Mason Mount. Jorginho took the ball, but shot poorly and allowed Leno to save with ease.
Chelsea missed an excellent opportunity to climb to second place in the standings and remained sixth. Arsenal are already 14th, after pulling ahead of Leeds.
