Emile Smith Rowe strikes as Arsenal report back-to-back league victories over Chelsea for first time in 17 years

If Roman Abramovich wanted a reminder to spend huge on a goalscorer this summer season, Chelsea’s 1-Zero defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday was it.

The Blues suffered back-to-back defeats to the Gunners for the primary time because the 2003/04 season as Emile Smith Rowe capitalised on Jorginho’s overhit cross within the first half to seal a shock victory for the north London membership.

Chelsea did not make their probabilities and utter domination of possession pay – and Abramovich should absolutely now know that he must signal a prolific goal-scorer if he desires his aspect to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City subsequent season.

Erling Haaland, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane have all been linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge and the Russian, like he has performed so many instances throughout his 18-year stint as proprietor of the west London membership, might now be compelled to get his chequebook out as soon as extra.

Smith Rowe put Arsenal in entrance after 15 minutes, capitalising on a free ball from Jorginho in a uncommon defensive lapse from Chelsea.

The Italy midfielder’s wayward back-pass put Kepa below big strain and the Spaniard was solely capable of parry the ball to cease an personal purpose.

Smith Rowe pounced on the free ball, nevertheless, earlier than slotting residence to place the Gunners into the lead.

Moments later, there was extra controversy as Mason Mount had a shot from level clean vary blocked by what gave the impression to be Rob Holding’s hand.

His effort was going in the direction of the purpose and clearly struck Holding’s hand, which was in an unnatural place.

Chelsea dominated the possession within the second half however Arsenal defended properly, with substitute Olivier Giroud lacking an excellent likelihood to search out the equaliser by fluffing his shot vast from simply outdoors the realm.

Within the dying minutes, Kurt Zouma additionally had an effort rifled off the bar, earlier than Giroud crashed the rebound onto the exact same little bit of the woodwork.

Arsenal, nevertheless, deserved the three factors over their London rivals as Mikel Arteta’s males secured a second consecutive victory following their Europa League heartbreak final week.