Arsenal Edge 10-Man Chelsea To Reclaim Five-Point Lead

Arsenal reestablished a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League as the Gunners overcame 10-man Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday.

Defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber got Arsenal’s goals as Chelsea’s ill-discipline saw them lose ground in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League after Pedro Neto was sent off 20 minutes from time.

The Blues could not cope with Arsenal’s prowess from corners as Mikel Arteta’s men edged closer to a first league title in 22 years.

Saliba forced home the opening goal on 21 minutes after Gabriel Magalhaes headed Eberechi Eze’s delivery back across goal.

Chelsea levelled from a corner of their own when Pedro Hincapie turned Reece James’ cross into his own net.

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Timber’s winner just after the hour mark was the 16th goal Arsenal have scored from a corner in the Premier League this season — equalling the competition record.

Chelsea’s English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer (R) and Chelsea’s Belgian midfielder #45 Romeo Lavia (C) challenge Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)

The Dutch international headed into an empty net after Robert Sanchez got caught underneath Declan Rice’s ball in.

Neto then became the ninth Chelsea player to see red this season for two quickfire bookings.

Chelsea had a late equaliser ruled out for offside but defeat leaves Liam Rosenior’s men three points outside the top five, who will almost certainly secure a place in next season’s Champions League.