Arsenal’s winless run stretching back to November 1 was finally snapped following a masterful performance by their youngsters against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in a boxing day London derby. The victory came at a time the Arsenal morale was at an all-time low, following a trouncing in the Carabao Cup against Manchester City.
Arsenal took the lead in the first half when Kieran Tierney was tripped in the box by Chelsea Right back, Reece James. Alexandre Lacazette duly struck the 35th minute penalty into the bottom left corner as Chelsea keeper, Edouard Mendy went the wrong way.
One soon became two in the 44th minute, when Granit Xhaka thundered in a pile driver of a freekick after teenage winger, Bukayo Saka had been brought down by N’Golo Kante just outside the box.
It was a wonderful team effort by the young Gunners, and they added a third in the 56th minute when Saka’s miscued cross found its way into the back of the net. Chelsea failed to register a single shot on target until the 85th minute when Tammy Abraham converted from close range following a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross.
Mason Mount won a late penalty in the last minute of normal time, but Jorginho’s weak effort was well saved by Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal as Arsenal withstood a late onslaught from the Chelsea side to secure a 3-1 home victory.
The victory lifted Arsenal up to 14th place, 6 points clear of the relegation zone. Chelsea dropped down to 7th place, as both clubs head into the busy period of the season.
