The visitors endured a shaky opening, with Robert Sanchez nearly gifting Arsenal an early goal after misplacing a pass under pressure inside five minutes.

Chelsea gradually found their rhythm. Cole Palmer fired wide from distance, while Martin Zubimendi’s long-range strike sailed over the bar. Arsenal responded as Bukayo Saka cut inside and set up Declan Rice, but the midfielder’s effort failed to stay on target.

The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when William Saliba powered home a header from a curling corner, beating Sanchez to hand Arsenal the lead.

Chelsea drew level deep into first-half stoppage time, albeit in fortunate circumstances. Another Arsenal corner sparked confusion in the box, and Piero Hincapie inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 1-1.

After the interval, Chelsea almost completed the turnaround. Enzo Fernandez tested David Raya from range, before Pedro forced a sharp save at close range following a collision with the Arsenal goalkeeper during a corner.

Arsenal, however, struck again from a familiar source. In the 66th minute, Jurrien Timber rose to meet another corner and headed firmly past Sanchez to restore the hosts’ advantage.

Chelsea’s task became even tougher four minutes later when Pedro Neto, already on a booking, mistimed a challenge and received a second yellow card, reducing the Blues to ten men.

Tensions rose as further bookings were shown to Palmer, Jorrel Hato, Gabriel and Enzo. Despite a late push from Chelsea in search of an equaliser, Arsenal’s defence held firm.

Eberechi Eze nearly sealed the win late on, but Sanchez produced an impressive save to deny him and keep the scoreline close.

The win moves Arsenal to 64 points from 29 matches, maintaining their position at the top of the table. They sit five points clear of second-placed Manchester City F.C., who have a game in hand. Chelsea remain sixth with 45 points from 28 matches.