Diego Costa’s first-half strike proved the difference as Chelsea earned a 1-0 victory and a league double over title-chasers Arsena...
Diego Costa’s first-half
strike proved the difference as Chelsea earned a 1-0 victory and a league double over title-chasers
Arsenal who had Per Mertesacker sent off after 18 minutes.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute when the German brought down Costa, who was through on goal.
Five minutes later the Spanish striker put the Blues ahead when he tucked home Branislav Ivanovic’s low cross.
Costa also forced a good save from Petr Cech, and Ivanovic’s header was cleared off the line by Nacho Monreal.
The home’s side’s best chance fell to Mathieu Flamini who fired over
from close range when he attempted to convert Aaron Ramsey’s
through-ball with a kung-fu kick.
The victory sees the Blues move up to 28 points and 13th position – their
highest placing since 26 October. The defeat leaves the Gunners in
third place with 44 points, level on points with 2nd placed Manchester City and three points behind league leaders, Leicester City, who have 47 points.
