EPL: Odegaard, Jesus score against Chelsea as Arsenal set new record
Odegaard enjoyed a night to remember, his predecessor, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, had an evening to forget.
Arsenal reignited their title hopes, roaring back to the top of the Premier League table with a commanding 3-1 triumph over struggling London rivals Chelsea.
The Gunners are the first team in English Football history to win 10 London derbies in a league campaign
The first team in English Football history to win 10 London derbies in a league campaign:
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 2, 2023
(H)
2-1 Fulham
3-1 Spurs
3-1 West Ham
1-1 Brentford
4-1 Palace
3-1 Chelsea
(A)
0-2 Palace
0-3 Brentford
0-1 Chelsea
0-2 Spurs
0-3 Fulham
2-2 West Ham
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The Gunners, who had failed to secure a win in their previous four outings, clinched a vital victory that propelled them past Manchester City for at least 24 hours.
Captain Martin Odegaard was the star of the show, netting a brace while Gabriel Jesus sealed the deal before halftime.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's misery deepened with their sixth consecutive loss under interim boss Frank Lampard.
Noni Madueke managed to score a rare consolation goal for the downtrodden Blues, who have now suffered defeats in six of their last seven encounters with Arsenal.
While Odegaard enjoyed a night to remember, his predecessor, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, had an evening to forget.
Making his first start for Chelsea against his former club, Aubameyang was substituted after a lackluster 45-minute performance.
Despite their recent winless streak, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remained optimistic about their title chances, especially after a heartbreaking loss to City last week.
The Gunners now sit at the summit, two points ahead of City but with two more games played. Pep Guardiola's men will look to capitalize on their fine form when they face West Ham on Wednesday.
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Arsenal started strong with early chances from Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka, both testing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Ultimately, it was Odegaard who broke the deadlock, expertly finishing a Xhaka cross.
The pair combined once again for the second goal, with Odegaard coolly netting his 14th goal of the season.
Chelsea attempted a comeback through Ben Chilwell, but his effort was thwarted by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Lampard responded by replacing the ineffective Aubameyang, but Arsenal continued their dominance, with Gabriel Magalhaes nearly adding a fourth.
The Blues eventually found some solace as Madueke scored his first Premier League goal, capitalizing on a lapse in Arsenal's defense. Mykhailo Mudryk, a rumored Arsenal target before his move to Chelsea, was brought on in hopes of a late turnaround, but the Gunners' defense held firm.
Ultimately, Arteta's men saw out the game, clinching a crucial win and rekindling their title aspirations.
