Arsenal kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United and delivered a hammer blow to Chelsea’s hopes of retaining the title with a 3-1 victory over the struggling champions last night.
Arsene Wenger’s side had repeatedly failed to produce the goods in crunch matches against their rivals, but they finally rose to the occasion as goals from Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott gave them a vital victory at the Emirates.
Branislav Ivanovic got one back for Chelsea but the damage had already been done and Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti could face a fight to save his job after his team’s sixth league game without a win.
Arsenal’s triumph - their first in 12 games against Chelsea and United – lifted them back into second place and within two points of the leaders.
In contrast, Chelsea’s title hopes are close to being extinguished. They are six points behind United, who have a game in hand.
Wenger’s players rose to the challenge in impressive fashion and their pressure finally told in the 44th minute as Song surged into the penalty area after playing a one-two with Jack Wilshere.
The ball broke towards Fabregas and, as the Arsenal captain collided with Paulo Ferreira, Cameroon midfielder Song seized his chance and drove a low shot past Cech.
If Ancelotti read the riot act at half-time, he must have been sorely disappointed with the response from his lacklustre stars.
In the space of 90 seconds, two sloppy pieces of Chelsea defending presented Arsenal with the goals that put the result beyond doubt.
First, Michael Essien’s 51st minute tackle on Fabregas sent the ball into Walcott’s path who sprinted clear before serving Fabregas, who stroked his shot past Cech.
Arsenal were rampant now and Walcott caught Florent Malouda in possession and flicked a pass to Fabregas. The Spaniard’s return ball put Walcott through on goal and he drove a fine finish past Cech.
Even when Ivanovic reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, there was little hope of a Chelsea comeback.
Next fixtures
Today: 16.00 Man. City vs Aston Villa; Stoke City vs Fulham; Sunderland vs Blackpool; Tottenham vs Newcastle; West Brom vs Blackburn. 18.30 West Ham vs Everton. 21.00 Birmingham vs Man. United.
Tomorrow: 20.45 Chelsea vs Bolton; Wigan vs Arsenal. 21.00 Liverpool vs Wolverhampton.