Arsenal’s bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League was boosted by Eddie Nketiah’s double in a thrilling 4-2 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.
Nketiah was dismissed by Chelsea as a 16-year-old in 2015, and he got some retribution this season with his first league goals.
Mikel Arteta’s team took the lead through Emile Smith Rowe, only for Cesar Azpilicueta to equalize for Chelsea.
Nketiah resolved a tense London derby in the second half when he punished sloppy Chelsea defending, and Bukayo Saka added a fourth with a stoppage-time penalty.
After losing their previous three games, Nketiah’s key contribution propelled Arsenal back into contention for a top-four finish in the Champions League next season.
With six games remaining, the Gunners are in fifth place, a goal difference behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
Arsenal’s dreams of returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2017 will be put to the test again on Saturday when they face sixth-placed Manchester United.
Finalists in the FA Cup Chelsea is still in third place, but they are only five points ahead of Arsenal, and a top-four finish is no longer guaranteed.
For the first time, Stamford Bridge was slightly less than full when ticket limitations, enforced by British government sanctions against Roman Abramovich, took effect.
Those who were permitted to enter were treated to a thrilling first half, with Romelu Lukaku’s woes continuing as the Chelsea striker scuffed a fine chance wide early on.
Chelsea’s defending was woeful without Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, and Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute.
