Arsenal re-established their chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top four with a vital win against Chelsea, ending a sequence of three losses.
Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League had been considerably harmed by both defeats, but this victory will instil fresh confidence.
Eddie Nketiah was preferred over an out-of-sorts Alexandre Lacazette in Arsenal’s attack, and he repaid manager Mikel Arteta’s trust with a clinical finish after capitalising on Andreas Christensen’s poor back ball.
It was the start of a frenetic first half, as Timo Werner levelled four minutes later with a deflected shot before Emile Smith Rowe showed class with a smooth finish from the outside of the box to past Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea equalised shortly before half-time via captain Cesar Azpilicueta, but Nketiah capitalised on a series of defensive blunders in the Chelsea area to put Arsenal ahead just before the hour mark.
Bukayo Saka was brilliant for Arsenal, and he received the reward for his efforts when he converted a penalty in additional time after being brought down by Azpilicueta.
Arsenal is now level on points with north London rivals Tottenham, with a derby against Spurs yet to play at Emirates Stadium.