Arsenal secured a vital victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on March 1, 2026. The win moved Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. All goals came from corners in a tense London derby.
Saliba Opens Scoring
Defender William Saliba gave Arsenal the lead in the 20th minute. Bukayo Saka delivered a corner to the back post. Defender Gabriel headed the ball back across goal. Saliba nodded it in from close range, with the ball deflecting off Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Arsenal dominated early play and created several chances.
However Chelsea stayed in the contest. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with a low shot from 20 yards.
Hincapie Own Goal Levels Match
Chelsea equalized in first-half stoppage time. Captain Reece James swung in a corner. Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie flicked the ball into his own net. The own goal came after Raya saved a previous effort, but officials ignored handball appeals.
The equalizer stunned Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta later said, “The moment we conceded was painful, but it is the quality of Chelsea.” Both teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
Timber Restores Lead
Arsenal regained control after the break. Defender Jurrien Timber scored the winner in the 66th minute. Midfielder Declan Rice sent in a corner. Timber headed it home from six yards. Chelsea protested, but the goal stood.
Then Chelsea winger Pedro Neto received a second yellow card in the 69th minute for fouling Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli. The dismissal marked Chelsea’s seventh red card of the season and left them with 10 men.
Chelsea Push for Equalizer
Despite the disadvantage, Chelsea pressed forward. Meanwhile substitute Liam Delap scored in stoppage time, but officials ruled it offside after Joao Pedro’s volley hit the bar. Raya made crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Arsenal held on for the 2-1 win. Arteta added, “Big win. I am very happy. We performed in an excellent way for big periods.” The result boosted Arsenal’s title hopes amid a tight race.
