Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in heated Premier League clash

Gunners extend lead atop table as Blues suffer another red card

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Arsenal maintained their lead atop the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners continued their set-piece dominance, with defender William Saliba scoring the opening goal from a corner. However, the match was marred by a red card for Chelsea's Pedro Neto, the seventh time the Blues have gone down to 10 men this season.

Why it matters

This result keeps Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City in the title race, as the Gunners continue to grind out wins despite not always being at their best. For Chelsea, the red card and defensive lapses on set pieces are becoming an all-too-familiar problem, hampering their hopes of a top-four finish.

The details

Arsenal took the lead in the first half through a header from Saliba following a corner kick. Chelsea equalized in the second half, but Neto was then sent off for a second bookable offense, leaving the Blues to play the final 20 minutes a man down. Arsenal held on to secure all three points and extend their advantage at the top of the table.

  • The match was played on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Saliba scored the opening goal in the first half.
  • Neto was sent off in the 70th minute.

The players

William Saliba

Arsenal defender who scored the opening goal from a corner kick.

Pedro Neto

Chelsea midfielder who was sent off in the second half for a second yellow card.

Declan Rice

Arsenal midfielder known for his excellent set-piece delivery.

Reece James

Chelsea defender whose set-piece delivery caused problems for the Arsenal defense.

Liam Rosenior

Chelsea head coach who has been critical of his team's defending on set pieces.

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What they’re saying

“We must do better at defending set pieces. It's been an issue for us all season and we need to find a solution.”

— Liam Rosenior, Chelsea Head Coach (Chelsea FC)

What’s next

Chelsea will look to bounce back from this defeat when they face Manchester United next weekend, while Arsenal will aim to maintain their lead at the top of the table in their upcoming match.

The takeaway

Arsenal's ability to grind out wins through set pieces and resilient defending is keeping them on course for a potential Premier League title, while Chelsea's disciplinary issues and defensive frailties continue to undermine their top-four aspirations.