Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium as the abject visitors slumped to a sixth consecutive loss under Frank Lampard.
The Gunners came into the game looking to put their 4-1 thrashing by title rivals Manchester City behind them and they did so in emphatic style in a completely one-sided first half.
Martin Odegaard scored the first two goals, twice capitalising on dismal Chelsea defending to dispatch Granit Xhaka crosses, with Gabriel Jesus then adding the third from close range.
Mikel Arteta’s side should have been totally out of sight by the time Noni Madueke pulled a goal back for Chelsea midway through the second half, but it proved to be only a consolation for the 12th-placed visitors, whose season continues to plumb new depths.
The victory takes Arsenal two points above Pep Guardiola’s side, albeit having played two games more, lifting the mood around the club following a four-game winless run and ensuring the title race remains alive despite events at the Etihad Stadium last week.
