LONDON, (Reuters) – Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League yesterday with a 3-1 win over a woeful Chelsea, set on their way by two goals from Martin Odegaard, but the title is still Manchester City’s to lose having played two games less than the leaders.
Arsenal raced into a 3-0 halftime lead when captain Odegaard was given acres of space – twice – by Chelsea’s flimsy defence to score in the 18th and 31st minutes, and Gabriel Jesus converted from close-range 11 minutes before the break. Arsenal’s first win in five games took them to 78 points, two more than second-placed City – the reigning champions – who have the chance to reclaim top spot when they host West Ham United today.
After losing to City 4-1 last week, Mikel Arteta made three changes, including giving striker Leandro Trossard a start in the place of Gabriel Martinelli and handing Jakub Kiwior his first league start in midfield.
His side dominated their slumping London rivals straight from the kick-off as they sought to shake off last week’s potentially title-deciding setback.
Granit Xhaka, who provided assists for both Odegaard’s strikes, almost opened the scoring himself in the opening minutes but he was thwarted by Kepa Arrizabalaga who went on to make saves in the second half that prevented an Arsenal rout.
