Arsenal returned top of the Premier League table following their defeat 3-1 against their troubled London rivals Chelsea on competitive matched played on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners had lost their previous three league games and were heavily defeated by reigning champions Manchester City, who overtook them after winning at Fulham on Sunday. Arteta’s men kept up their side of the bargain, moving back to the top of the table, two points clear of City, having played two matches more.
The Gunners signalled their intention to push City all the way to the wire with a much-needed first win in five games. Odegaard’s brace was followed by a Gabriel Jesus strike as the hosts raced into a three-goal before half-time at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea’s performance, especially in the first 45 minutes, was a gutless fiasco and suggested there is something deep-rooted and rotten at the heart of the club.
Noni Madueke’s second half goal was no consolation for Chelsea’s wretched performance as they fail to get back to the game,Lampard’s decision to start former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang backfired as he had only nine touches – four of which were kick-offs – before being replaced at the break.
“We were too nice to play against in all aspects in the first half. Not good enough,” Lampard stated as he promised to put more effort in their remaining fixtures to avoid further humiliations.
