BY Jonathan Ledger
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to first half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny.
Arsenal had won just two in six, and coupled with uncertainty surrounding Mesut Ozil and Manchester United’s resurgence, the Gunners needed a win to keep up in the race for a top four finish.
Still waiting for the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain, Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri started with Eden Hazard up front, while Lacazette led the line for Arsenal.
Unai Emery’s boys came flying straight from kick off and the early pressure paid off with the opening goal on 14 minutes. Lacazette was picked out from a short corner kick routine, and he swivelled to create a yard of space before planting his shot in the roof of the net.
Arsenal doubled the lead through captain Koscielny six minutes from half time. The central defender was left unmarked at a set piece and he went for a diving header, but the ball hit his shoulder and nestled in the net.
Chelsea were struggling to string passes together with Jorginho well marshalled by Aaron Ramsey, while there was no recognisable forward line. The Blues however hit the post just before half time through Marcos Alonso who rose highest to meet a corner kick.
Sarri’s men improved after the break but could not penetrate an Arsenal defence led by Koscielny, and had to wait until the 82nd minute for their only shot on target.
The win puts the Gunners in fifth place, three points behind Chelsea and ahead of Manchester United, who defeated Brighton 2-1, only on goals difference.
The Red Devils claimed victory through resurgent Paul Pogba’s penalty and another excellent Marcus Rashford finish in the first half to defeat the Seagulls.
The win was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sixth consecutive league win since his appointment, making him the third manager after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola to achieve such a feat.
Premier League leaders, Liverpool, however, survived a scare to defeat Crystal Palace 4-3 at Anfield. Losing 0-1 at half time, the Reds scored twice early in the second half and despite a Palace equaliser, scored two more goals to make it 32 games unbeaten at home.
Mohammed Salah (brace), Roberto Firmino and Saido Mane all ensured a victory that takes them seven points clear at the top of the league.
RESULTS
Wolves 4-3 Leicester City
Bournemouth 2-0 West Ham
Liverpool 4-3 Crystal Palace
Manchester Utd 2-1 Brighton
Newcastle 3-0 Cardiff City
Southampton 2-1 Everton
Watford 0-0 Burnley
Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea
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