Arsenal demonstrated their set-piece mastery once again to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1, 2026, restoring their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners took an early lead in the 21st minute when William Saliba rose highest to powerfully head home Bukayo Saka’s corner, assisted by a flick-on from Gabriel Magalhães. The French defender’s goal marked Arsenal’s dominance from dead-ball situations.
Chelsea fought back just before half-time, equalising in first-half stoppage time through an own goal by Piero Hincapié. The defender unfortunately diverted Reece James’ inswinging corner into his own net in the 45+2nd minute, levelling the scores at 1-1.
The game shifted dramatically in the second half when Chelsea’s Pedro Neto was sent off around the 70th minute for a cynical foul on Gabriel Martinelli, earning a second yellow card. This marked Chelsea’s seventh red card of the Premier League season.
Arsenal capitalised on their numerical advantage shortly after. In the 66th minute, Jurriën Timber met Declan Rice’s precise corner delivery with a firm header to restore the lead at 2-1. The Dutch defender’s goal proved decisive, highlighting Arsenal’s lethal set-piece routine.
Despite being down to 10 men, Chelsea pushed hard in the closing stages and nearly snatched an equaliser in stoppage time. Substitute Liam Delap had a goal disallowed for offside after David Raya produced a magnificent save in the 90+2nd minute to deny an acrobatic effort and preserve Arsenal’s advantage.
The win strengthens Arsenal’s title credentials under Mikel Arteta, with their set-piece prowess proving crucial once more. Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, remain sixth in the table and six points off the top four.
Arsenal now look ahead to their next challenge as they aim to maintain their momentum in the Premier League title race.
