Arsenal F.C. strengthened their Premier League title push with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over London rivals Chelsea F.C. at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side scored twice from corners and also conceded via a set-piece in a match that highlighted the growing importance of dead-ball situations in modern Premier League football.

William Saliba handed Arsenal the lead in the 21st minute, scoring his first goal since December 2024. The opener came from one of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s rehearsed routines, as Gabriel Magalhaes nodded Bukayo Saka’s corner into the danger area before Saliba’s header deflected into the net off Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr.

Chelsea responded just before half-time through another corner situation. After David Raya produced a fine save when Reece James’ delivery struck Declan Rice’s shoulder, the resulting inswinging corner forced Piero Hincapie into an own goal to level the contest.

The visitors continued to threaten from James’ deliveries, with Joao Pedro missing two headed chances that could have turned the match in Chelsea’s favour.

Arsenal regained control in the 66th minute when Jurrien Timber made a perfectly timed run to power home a header from Rice’s corner. Chelsea players appealed for a foul on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but the goal stood, marking Arsenal’s 16th league goal from a corner this season.

Chelsea’s problems deepened four minutes later when Pedro Neto, already booked for protesting, brought down Gabriel Martinelli and received a second yellow card, reducing the Blues to 10 men.

Despite their numerical advantage, Arsenal were forced to defend late pressure and needed a brilliant stoppage-time save from Raya to deny Alejandro Garnacho and secure all three points.

The victory restored Arsenal’s five-point lead over Manchester City F.C., who still have a game in hand after closing the gap with a win at Leeds.

Having faced criticism during a recent dip in form, the Gunners appear back on track following last weekend’s emphatic victory over Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and this tense derby triumph.

Arsenal now travel to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. on Wednesday with nine matches remaining as they chase a first English league title since 2004.

For Chelsea, the defeat marked a third consecutive match without a win, damaging their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League as they slipped to sixth place under manager Liam Rosenior.