ARSENAL returned to the top of the Premier League table after they swatted aside London rivals Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates.
Two goals from the superb Martin Odegaard and a close-range effort from Gabriel Jesus saw Mikel Arteta’s men race into a 3-0 lead before half-time on Tuesday evening.
Noni Madueke pulled one back for Frank Lampard’s side midway through the second period.
But Arsenal professionally saw the game out to secure their first win in five games.
The victory takes them back above Manchester City, two points clear having played two games more.
Here is how SunSport’s Mark Irwin saw the performances of the Arsenal players.
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AARON RAMSDALE – 7
Didn’t touch the ball for the first 25 minutes but when he was finally called into action he responded with a splendid save from Chilwell.
Furious when his clean sheet was ruined by Madueke’s second-half goal.
BEN WHITE – 7
Had Sterling in his pocket all evening and still found the time and energy to get forward and supply the cross for Arsenal’s third goal.
Probably his team’s most improved player this season.
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JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
With confidence in Rob Holding at rock bottom, the young Polish centre-half was handed a first League start by Arteta and looked like he’d been playing there all season. Impressive.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
Relished his battle with Aubameyang and didn’t let the former Arsenal skipper have a sniff of goal on his first return to the Emirates since being booted out by Arteta.
Denied a goal by Thiago Silva’s goal-line clearance.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 6
Played a more defensive role than usual, focussing on his left-back duties to close the Chelsea supply line to Aubameyang.
But allowed Madueke to get in behind for Chelsea’s consolation goal.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 9
Brilliant captain’s performance from the Norwegian playmaker.
Two clinically taken goals put Chelsea to the sword within the first half hour to ensure Arsenal returned to the top of the table.
JORGINHO – 7
In for the out of form Thomas Partey, he was keen to show his former club that he is still a big-time player.
Anchored the midfield with the minimum of fuss to give Odegaard and Xhaka licence to get forward.
GRANIT XHAKA – 8
Involved in all three goals, he supplied identical low crosses for Odegaard to sweep home before creating mayhem in the Chelsea six-yard box when Jesus scored from close range.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Stretched Chelsea’s back four until the pips squeaked.
Took his fair share of whacks but kept coming back for more even though his final ball wasn’t quite there. Looked to be flagging before he was subbed off.
GABRIEL JESUS – 8
Never gave Chelsea’s shambolic defence a moment’s peace and gained the reward for his endeavours deserved when he put the game to bed with a classic predator’s strike.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7
In from the start to give Martinelli a rest, he worked his socks off down the left flank and put just as much effort into his defensive duties as he did going forward.
SUBS
Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard 59 mins) – 6
The game was already over when he came on for the last 30 minutes.
Reiss Nelson (for Saka 73 mins) – 6
Introduced fresh energy when Chelsea were looking to get a belated toehold.
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko 73 mins) – 6
Told to make sure there was no late Chelsea comeback and did exactly what was requested.
Rob Holding (for Gabriel 85 mins) – 5
With Gabriel struggling with an ankle knock, he came on to see Arsenal over the line.
Thomas Partey (for Jorginho 85 mins) – 5
Extra defensive protection for the final few minutes.
Subs not used: Turner, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Vieira.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
