Premier League – Saliba scores as Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1

In the 28th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Arsenal, playing at home at the Emirates Stadium, defeated Chelsea 2-1 thanks to goals from Saliba and Timber.

Five minutes into the game, Chelsea created an attacking opportunity. Palmer received a pass from Pedro Neto outside the penalty area and unleashed a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal. In the 7th minute, Saka made a diagonal pass, and Martin Zuweimendy followed up, dribbling past the defender before firing a long-range shot, but he kicked the ball into the stands.

In the 15th minute, Eze received the ball in the center circle and took a long-range shot, but it was intercepted by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. In the 19th minute, Chelsea won a corner, but Reece James's corner kick posed no threat. In the 21st minute, Saka took a corner, Gabriel headed the ball towards the goal, and Saliba headed it in, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

In the 28th minute, Saka dealt with the defense and passed the ball to Rice, who then took a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball went over the goal. In the 37th minute, Dzekereish controlled the ball, took a few steps, and chipped it to Timber, who followed up with a low shot, but the shot was too weak and was easily caught by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

In the first half stoppage time, Reece James took a corner kick, and Incapaie inadvertently headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it, allowing Chelsea to equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 50th minute of the second half, Chelsea launched an attack. Enzo received the ball and broke through to the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a long-range shot, which Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya immediately dived to block. In the 53rd minute, Chelsea won a corner kick. João Pedro headed the ball towards goal, but David Raya caught it.

In the 66th minute, Rice took a corner kick, and Timber rose to head the ball into the net, helping Arsenal extend their lead to 2-1. In the 70th minute, Martinelli was tackled by Pedro Neto while dribbling forward, and Pedro Neto was sent off for accumulating his second yellow card.

In the 75th minute, with 10 players remaining, Chelsea substituted Lavia and Gusto for André Santos and Jorel Harto. In the 80th minute, Saka passed the ball across the box, and Eze received it before shooting from inside the penalty area, but the ball was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

In the second half stoppage time, Chelsea launched a counter-attack. João Pedro headed the ball and attempted an overhead kick, but it was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Liam Delap then scored on the rebound in the ensuing scramble, but João Pedro was offside, so the goal was disallowed.

Arsenal ultimately defeated Chelsea 2-1 at home. With two consecutive wins, Arsenal sit atop the league table with 64 points, five points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City, having played one more game.

Image source: Internet