Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Gunners Make Corner Kick History in London Derby Win Over Blues
Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, a match that will be remembered for its remarkable corner-kick statistics.
For the ninth time this season, the Gunners scored a match-winning goal from a corner, setting a new Premier League record for most such goals in a single campaign, surpassing Manchester United’s tally of eight in 2012-13.
William Saliba opened the scoring in the 21st minute, heading home after Gabriel Magalhães nodded Bukayo Saka’s inswinging corner back across the six-yard box.
Chelsea equalised before half-time when Piero Hincapié inadvertently diverted a corner into his own net, ensuring all three goals on the day came from set pieces. Jurriën Timber later restored Arsenal’s lead with another header from a corner, sealing the win.
Chelsea’s frustrations deepened when Pedro Neto was sent off in the second half for two bookings, becoming the seventh Blues player to receive a red card in the league this season. Only six teams have ever had more in a single campaign, most recently QPR with nine in 2011-12.
Despite some nervous moments, Arsenal held firm to respond to Manchester City’s win at Leeds United the previous day.
Chelsea, meanwhile, failed to register a shot on target in the first half, yet still managed to score through Hincapié’s own goal, only the second time on Opta record that they have done so.
