Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal took one step closer to their first Premier League title since 2004 with a gutsy win over Chelsea. In the end, it was David Raya who stood out the most, with the goalkeeper rescuing Arsenal on more than one occasion.

It was a jittery first half from the visitors, who invited pressure onto themselves and struggled to sustain attacks when they won the ball back. The opener for Arsenal arrived in trademark fashion, when Gabriel (this week seemingly unfazed about contact in his back) nodded the ball across for William Saliba to head home from close range. Chelsea looked hopeless for most of the half, up until added time, when a swinging Reece James cross took a nick off Piero Hincapie on its way through to the net.

Perhaps fortunate to be level at the break, the west Londoners came out with a renewed sense of optimism after half-time. However, set-pieces would once again prove their downfall, with Jurrien Timber the man to turn home this time. After restoring their lead, Eberechi Eze came closest to adding a third, but it was at the opposite end where the most action came, with Raya’s heroics keeping the three points intact for Arsenal.

Express Sport hands out player ratings after another crucial win in the title race for Arsenal…

Was the only thing holding the Arsenal defence together during the increasingly threatening Chelsea set-pieces. Produced a wonderful save from the Rice deflection, and commanded his area with supreme confidence.

Right place, right time? Or a perfectly timed run into the penalty area? Either way, the Dutchman was the difference from Arsenal’s second set piece goal of the game and what a moment it could prove to be.

Was officially credited with the opener, even though it took an almighty defelection off a Chelsea defender on its way through. The Frenchman had a battle on his hands, but along with his partner in crime, Gabriel, handled things pretty well.

Had to step up the intensity a little when Liam Delap came off the bench and put himself about. But it was a relativley comfortable afternoon for the Brazil international, who once again had a say from Arsenal’s set-pieces.

Was the guilty party for the Chelsea equaliser, as his blind effort to clear the ball took it past David Raya. Had a difficult assignment dealing with the visitors’ right-hand side, but held his own and thwarted the Chelsea threats.

Put his goalkeeper under far too much pressure with a needless backpass that could’ve easily led to a goal in the first half. Helped put the ball in the fridge with some composed passes in the second half when Arsenal needed to control possesion.

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Incredibly lucky not to have given a penalty away when the ball struck his arm from a corner just before Chelsea made it 1-1. Redeemed himself with a wicked delivery for the Timber goal, but it was by no means a comfortable performance from the usually reliable anchor man.

Is it fair to say the usually dazzling Englishman has underwhelmed for quite a while now? His performances have by no means been poor, but Arsenal could really do with their talisman having more of an impact on these big contests, especially as the stakes begin to ramp up. Some nice touches, but no real standout moment.

Didn’t have the time or space that he enjoyed against relegation-threatened Spurs last time out. Stung the palms of Robert Sanchez with the score at 2-1. but was otherwise ineffective.

Made it far too easy for James to defend against all evening, and allowed the Chelsea defender to get into promising positions up the field. Stumbled over his own two feet when given the ball in the final third and was understandably hooked before the hour mark.

After the high of the North London derby, the Swede came crashing back down to earth against Arsenal’s London rivals. Bobbed about but offered nothing from an attacking point of view. Had just one shot during the 75 minutes he was on the pitch.

Much more effective than his team-mate on the right-hand flank, and it was the winger’s lung-busting run that forced Neto into the tackle that got him sent off.

Replaced Declan Rice, who hobbled off with a suspected injury. Didn’t have the same impact in the engine room, but then again, who would?

Gave the Chelsea centre-backs something to think about but still looked off the pace following his return from injury.

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