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Arsenal’s top four hopes got a major boost as they beat Chelsea 4-2 in a London derby thriller at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners ended a run of three straight Premier League defeats to take all three points against the Blues.
Eddie Nketiah netted twice, his first Premier League goals of the season, while Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka also helped seal the victory.
The England Under-21 international was perhaps a surprise starter with Alexandre Lacazette returning to the squad, but repaid the faith of Mikel Arteta against the club who released him as a teenager.
The Gunners took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute as a long ball over the top was not dealt with by Andreas Christensen, whose underhit backpass was latched onto by Nketiah.
The England Under-21 striker did not need a second invitation as he opened the scoring with his first league goal of the campaign.
The lead did not last long as the home side levelled just four minutes later.
Nketiah was involved in the action again and guilty of giving away the ball and Timo Werner took full advantage.
His strike deflected off Granit Xhaka to equalise at Stamford Bridge to continue his rich vein of form.
Emile Smith Rowe re-established Arsenal’s lead with a fine team goal, sweeping home a finish after impressive play from Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard.
The goals kept coming as Chelsea hit back again.
Cesar Azpilicueta this time got on the end of Mason Mount’s ball into the box to make it 2-2.
Mount was celebrating his 100th Premier League appearance for the Blues with yet another assist.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reacted to the first-half display by replacing Christensen with the experienced Thiago Silva, but it did nothing to improve the defensive showing.
Nketiah doubled his tally in the 57th minute as Arsenal hit the front for a third time.
Indecision in the Chelsea defence allowed the striker to nip in and finish low after Nuno Tavares’ cross had not been dealt with.
Lukaku was taken off three minutes later after making little impact on the game and there were audible boos as he made his way off.
Bukayo Saka made sure of all three points with a late penalty to make it 4-2, his first spot kick since the Euro 2020 final.
The Gunners moved level on points with Tottenham in fourth, behind only on goal difference.
