Gabriel scored the only goal of the game to help Arsenal produce one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Premier League. Midway into the second half, the Gunners’ Brazilian center-back headed in Bukayo Saka’s corner to give Mikel Arteta’s team a crucial three points. Arteta, who had previously been discreet about his team’s involvement in the title chase, finally acknowledged their involvement in the competition, albeit with some humility, which encapsulated the significance of the victory.
If Gabriel Jesus had converted gilt-edged opportunities in either half, Arsenal could have been able to outnumber their opponents. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who started for Chelsea against his former team but only occasionally threatened alongside the rest of the Blues’ attackers, had a poor afternoon on the other end of the field. With just one game remaining before the World Cup break—a trip to Wolves—the Gunners have restored their two-point lead atop the standings.
After a strong start at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal had the better of the first half. Gabriel could have given Arsenal the lead after nodding on Thomas Partey’s long throw into the side-netting within the first minute. Within the first 10 minutes, the Gunners came even closer when Ben White’s shot almost found Jesus at the back post, but the Brazilian was unable to use touch to deflect it in the desired direction.
However, the visitors and Jesus once more got off to the greatest start in the opening 45 minutes, a tense one that saw former Arsenal captain Aubameyang receive a booking for a late lunge on White directly in front of an enraged Arteta. Another opportunity for Jesus to score was missed as the Gunners carried on in the same manner in the second half. The Brazilian was set up along the right side of the Arsenal field, but Edouard Mendy stopped his close-range attempt. Arsenal eventually converted their opportunities from the ensuing corner. Gabriel tapped in on the line as Saka’s corner was nearly completely in. Replays revealed that the center-back arrived there before it passed over, but the England winger received praise for his celebration.
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