Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Player ratings as set pieces prevail for Gunners

Arsenal secured another crucial London derby victory as a series of set pieces helped them to a 2-1 win over Chelsea.

There were no surprises when the lineup was announced before kick-off as Mikel Arteta opted to field the same side that ran out 4-1 winners in last week's North London derby clash at Tottenham.

Robert Sanchez almost had a moment to forget early on when Viktor Gyökeres nearly robbed him of possession on the edge of his box, but he was bailed out by his teammates. The Spaniard was then nearly caught out again as Eberechi Eze looked to beat him from his own half, but it was just off target.

Chelsea managed to frustrate the Gunners, but the deadlock was broken just after the 20th minute. Bukayo Saka swung a corner in for Gabriel to meet at the back post and head across the face of goal. William Saliba headed it towards goal where it deflected off Mamadou Sarr and into the net.

The visitors went close to levelling matters just before the break when Declan Rice deflected a corner towards his own goal, but David Raya was on hand to make a brilliant reaction save while under pressure.

Liam Rosenior's side did equalise from the resulting corner though as Reece James' delivery took a touch off Piero Hincapié's head to beat Raya and ensure the score was level at the break.

Chelsea's corners continued to cause problems for Arsenal after half-time as Joao Pedro went close to putting the visitors in front, only to see his header saved by Raya.

Set pieces prevailed once again with just over 20 minutes to play when the Gunners retook the lead as Rice swung a corner in for Jurrien Timber to meet and head past Sanchez, who was absolutely all over the place.

It soon went from bad to worse for the Blues as they were reduced to 10 men shortly after the goal when Pedro Neto brought down substitute Gabriel Martinelli to stop a counter attack and pick up his second yellow card.

Arteta's side saw out the closing stages to take the win and secure another crucial three points that sent them five clear of Manchester City.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7.5/10 - Made a great save to prevent Rice from scoring an own goal just before half-time. Denied Pedro from heading his side into the lead from another corner. Made another good stop in added time to deny Garnacho an equaliser from a cross.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7.5/10 - Enjoyed himself getting up the right side due to Palmer's positioning. Restored his side's lead when he met Rice's delivery with a header from close range.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Grabbed the opener when his header deflected off Sarr and into the back of the net. Defended well to help secure the three points.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7/10 - Met Saka's corner to head it across the face for Saliba to head in. Picked up a yellow card in the final 15 minutes.

Piero Hincapié (LB) - 6.5/10 - Unfortunate to head into his own goal to present Chelsea an equaliser. Improved to help his side to a crucial win after the break.

Midfielders

Eberechi Eze (CM) - 7/10 - Attempted a shot from practically his own half, but it was just off target. Was guilty of losing possession in attack a few times. Saw a shot saved well by Sanchez late on.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 6.5/10 - Put Raya in a tricky situation when he played a dodgy back pass, but was bailed out. Steady from there on, but wasn't his greatest game.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7/10 - Troubled Chelsea's defence with his set piece deliveries and that paid off when his corner was met by the head of Timber to restore their side's advantage. Guilty of conceding a corner with a very dodgy back pass. Brought off for the final 15 minutes.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 7/10 - Contributed to the opener as his troubling corner delivery was met by Gabriel to head across goal. Continued to be a source of trouble in the first-half, but his influence died down after the break.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 6/10 - Almost robbed Sanchez of the ball just outside the box, but couldn't capitalise. Made his usual runs, but didn't enjoy himself as he did in last week's London derby. Withdrawn in the closing stages.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 5.5/10 - Had a shot blocked early on. Wasn't particularly involved amid a frustrating display for the Belgian. Taken off before the hour mark.

Substitutes

• Gabriel Martinelli (on 55' for Trossard) - 7/10
• Kai Havertz (on 76' for Gyökeres) - 6/10
• Christian Nørgaard (on 76' for Rice) - 6/10

Player of the match: Jurrien Timber