Arsenal peg back Chelsea in race for top four

In a fast paced capital derby, it was North that would outwit West to take the bragging rights; as Unai Emery's side showed more creativity and cutting edge to grab a crucial three points, from one of their closest challengers to a Champions League place for next season.

The hosts flew out of the blocks from the very first whistle, crowing the Chelsea players in possession and forcing them to make uncharacteristic mistakes. In particular, wingers Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proved wicked in their pursuit of the ball, winning countless set pieces in dangerous attacking areas of the field. 

In contrast, visitors Chelsea hardly looked like getting going in the first half hour of the encounter. Talisman Eden Hazard was once more deployed as a false nine by Maurizzio Sarri; but in the midst of two very physical centre halves, the Belgian seemed to be crowded out more than he was able to create chances for his side. A lack of a recognised target man has been the 'Blues' undoing on many occasions this season, and thus it proved to be so on Saturday evening. 

As much as Chelsea have been lacking central options in attack, Arsenal have been basking in the consistency of their main striker, Alexandre Lacazette. In fact, the Frenchman was the man to step up and give his side the lead before the clock hit the quarter of an hour mark. A well worked short corner routine led to full back Bellerin driving a low cross into the area;  and, with neat close control, Lacazette swivelled on a sixpence and fired into the near top corner of the net.