Arsenal expanded its lead in the English Premier League standings by three points over Liverpool after crushing Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's men dominated from the start but were unable to take full advantage of a controlled first 45 minutes of play despite Leandro Trossard's fourth-minute lead. He was fed the ball by Declan Rice and then smoked the ball home at the near post.
After the break, Arsenal turned up the heat, as Ben White had a shot deflected by Rice, then Kai Havertz curled a brilliant shot over the goalkeeper to put Arsenal in front. Havertz then added the fourth goal with a shot straight into the bottom corner before White curled in a wonderful pass from Martin Odegaard into the top corner.
For Chelsea, it was a night to forget, but Arsenal benefited from playing first this week, and now Liverpool and Manchester City must respond if they hope to avoid dropping points in the title race.
Relive updates from Arsenal vs Chelsea in tonight's live blog below and get the latest match odds and tips, here
Arsenal's humiliation of Chelsea raises questions about Mauricio Pochettino's future
This was one of those remaining embarrassing games for Arsenal, let alone the idea that the title race was over. Chelsea had other plans for all of this, precisely because they couldn't execute any kind of game plan of their own. They couldn't do much at all.
It means that on a night when Arsenal moved three points clear at the top with a 5-0 win in perhaps Mikel Arteta's best performance to date, it's hard not to talk about Chelsea. The focus will once again return to Mauricio Pochettino's future.
The focus should be on the wider management of this club. This was the humiliation Chelsea looked in danger of enduring for some time. There's also a lot for players stepping up in the absence of an ailing Cole Palmer.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:14
Chelsea's collapse against Arsenal was humiliating, inevitable, and their lowest point yet
Just over 24 hours later, the sight of Chelsea without their top scorer and Player of the Year was enough to send the majority of away fans on a return flight across London. More than 20 minutes after the end of this humiliating and frustrating encounter, the London derby thrashes the Emirates.
“I don't want your shirt, I just want to fight for our shirt,” pleaded a young boy at the far end. Chelsea failed spectacularly.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:04
“Men vs Boys”: Rio Ferdinand criticizes Chelsea’s performance after the embarrassing loss to Arsenal
Rio Ferdinand described Chelsea's performance against Arsenal as “men playing against boys” as Mauricio Pochettino's side lost 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes before Ben White and former Chelsea star Kai Havertz both scored braces to give the Gunners a comfortable win.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Ferdinand claimed that the Blues were far from the level they have reached in recent weeks.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:42
Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino spoke to TNT Sports:
“I think we started the game not well. We conceded the goal and then it was difficult for us to recover from that goal. I think in the first half we competed after 10 or 15 minutes. We couldn't handle the game as we started in the first half and we didn't compete the way we needed to compete.” And then when they scored the third goal it was easy for Arsenal to control the game.
“I think you need to be clinical. Like against Manchester City three days ago, we were not decisive, and today the same thing happened. A difficult performance because it is not good to see your team playing like this when you have full energy. After three days you played Great match against Manchester City, today we are disappointed with the performance.”
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:34
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta spoke to TNT Sports:
“It's a big derby in London and we know what that means for the fans. We will enjoy it, relax and prepare for the next match.
“What I want is for the players to be able to manage themselves in the dressing room. You have to leave them some space. They know what they are playing for. That's what brings the team together. My role is to ask them and also in the right moments to make them believe they can to do that.
“We have a lot of games coming up. Let's enjoy tonight and let's get back to work.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:31
Reaction from Leandro Trossard
“I think the early goal helped us and after that we played well. We had a lot of chances and converted them into goals. It's a great night.”
“They say clean sheets help you win games. We know that if we score the goal we can win 1-0. But obviously we want to go for more. Today is the perfect night. I think everyone is working well and hard. I'm really happy to be here.
“We can only do our own job, which is to win games. We are on the right track now and we will try to win the rest of the games and see what happens.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:22
Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
This is Chelsea's second biggest defeat in the Premier League in London, after a 6-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers on March 31, 1986.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:16
Reaction from Ben White
“We know we can score goals and today was a fast game and it was important we put the ball away when we had the chance.
“It's not just about keeping clean sheets from the defence, but also from the wingers.”
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 22:16
Full time! Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
Minute 90+7: The final whistle blows. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are three points clear at the top of the table. This was the kind of performance that wins league titles.
They will still need some help but Arsenal are right in the mix to win the Premier League.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 21:56
Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
Minute 90 + 3: Arsenal is doing everything in its power to keep a clean sheet, but Chelsea do not really threaten the goal despite their control of the ball.
It looks like both teams are getting close to the end.
Mike JonesApril 23, 2024 at 21:50
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