Gabriel’s close-range goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge propelled Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League standings.
After the hosts failed to deal with Bukayo Sako’s corner from the right side, Gabriel pounced to nudge the ball over the goal line in the 63rd minute to give the Gunners a deserving lead.
They had the best chances while it was scoreless. Still, Gabriel Martinelli missed the target with a shot, and Gabriel Jesus missed the goal with a diving header.
Chelsea struggled to produce clear-cut chances and is now winless in four Premier League games.
? Big WIN in west London pic.twitter.com/WkyCXyGEMC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 6, 2022
A statement win for Arsenal in the title race
For Arsenal, this was an opportunity to demonstrate their title credentials as they sought to win the English championship for the 14th time, but for the first time since their ‘Invincibles’ of 2003ā04. The latter went undefeated for the whole league season.
The Gunners, who haven’t finished in the top four since 2016, have beaten Liverpool and Tottenham at home this year. Still, they only suffered a soft 3-1 loss to Manchester United in September.
At Stamford Bridge, however, they got off to a strong start as Gabriel headed wide inside the first two minutes.
Ben White’s 15-yard attempt was comprehensive, Martinelli’s effort was curled over the top, and teammate Thiago Silva of Brazil expertly blocked Jesus’ attempt.
Jesus was free at the back post, and Martinelli found him, but Jesus’ diving header from eight yards out should have been better.
However, Jesus contributed to the progression of Arsenal’s goal by stealing the ball from Silva and shooting at goal, which Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy deflected for a corner.
ā½ļø @Arsenal remain the only side to have scored in every #PL match so far this season ?
The Gunners have also kept more clean sheets than any other team (6) āļø#CHEARS pic.twitter.com/p47o4phJul
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 6, 2022
Arteta praises phenomenal gunners and plays down title talk
In the tense 1-0 victory at Chelsea, Mikel Arteta praised his “phenomenal” Arsenal team for displaying maturity despite their youth.
Arteta said, “I was impressed. Although we are a young team, we displayed a lot of maturity, calm, and courage to play on this level as we have.”Ā
“While it’s simple to say, doing it is very challenging. The guys were outstanding today.”
Despite their strong campaign start, Arteta is reluctant to tout his team’s credentials as title challengers.
“Right now, things are going exceptionally well, but this will take a long time.”
“Look at what Manchester City has accomplished over the past six years. The best squad in the world, with the finest manager.”Ā
“In every single competition, they have continuously demonstrated it. We must show the utmost respect.”
?ļø āWe prepare the game to come here and win.ā
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal came to Chelsea for 3 points only. ? pic.twitter.com/7PCwsduNta
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 6, 2022
Graham Potter reacts to defeat to Arsenal
After a promising beginning as Chelsea’s manager, Graham Potter has gone four games without a win, including today’s demoralizing 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the London derby.
According to Chelsea TV, Potter commented on his team’s performance against the Gunners, “I think we huffed and puffed, to be honest.”
“We were playing against a squad in a terrific mood, had a lot of confidence, and had been collaborating for some time. We are at a different point where our fluidity and spirit are, which probably showed in the performance.”
“The players gave it their all, and we made a push, but in the end, we have to declare that, as much as it hurts to say it, Arsenal deserved to win the game.”
He says, “We have suffered with a few key ones (players) in terms of injuries which doesn’t help us and a few results.”Ā
“And all of a sudden, the confidence can go a little bit, but that’s just part of the challenge. It’s part of the pain you must go through to get to where you want to be,” he added.
