Arsenal took a massive step in the title race with a 2–1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates, moving five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners did it their way — through set pieces. William Saliba opened the scoring from a corner, continuing Arsenal’s dominance in dead-ball situations.

Chelsea briefly leveled through an own goal by Piero Hincapié in first-half stoppage time, but Jurriën Timber restored Arsenal’s lead in the 66th minute with a powerful header — again from a corner.

The match lacked fluid attacking football, especially with pressure mounting after Manchester City had earlier cut the gap at the top with a win at Leeds.

Arsenal looked tense, focused more on control than creativity.

Chelsea’s task became even harder in the 70th minute when Pedro Neto was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for fouling Gabriel Martinelli during a counterattack.

It marked Chelsea’s seventh red card of the league season — a worrying pattern that has repeatedly derailed their momentum.

Set pieces were the difference. Arsenal have now equaled the Premier League record with 16 goals from corners in a single season — with nine games still left.

Even more striking, this was the ninth time they’ve scored a match-winning goal from a corner this campaign.

In contrast, Chelsea have struggled defensively from similar situations, conceding five corner goals in their last six matches.

Despite the victory, Former Arsenal Captain Patrick Vieira suggested the performance lacked flair, saying more is expected from a title-chasing side.

Yaya Touré echoed that view, calling it unusual for a derby to be decided entirely by set pieces. But in a tight title race, pragmatism often outweighs spectacle.

For Chelsea, the loss damages their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification. They trail fifth place by three points and face a decisive trip to Aston Villa next.

With suspension issues mounting and rivals finding form, pressure is increasing on manager Liam Rosenior.