Shock win as Gunners ease fear of drop

ARSENAL eased fears of being dragged into a relegation battle with a stunning 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday as Manchester United’s Premier League title challenge stumbled after it conceded a late equaliser to draw at Leicester.

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to victory in the FA Cup the last time it faced Chelsea in August, but less than five months on, the Spaniard was under intense pressure after a run of one win in 10 league games.

Arteta had bemoaned his side’s fortunes in recent weeks, but the Gunners’ luck turned on a night when he gave youngsters Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe the chance to shine in the absence of experienced figures such as David Luiz, Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“It’s a really big win for us,” Arteta said. “Hopefully, it is going to be a turning point and elevate the level of confidence in the team.”

A third straight away loss for Chelsea further damages its chances of competing for the title and there was no way back for Frank Lampard’s men once Bukayo Saka chipped in off the inside of the post 11 minutes after the break, adding to firsthalf goals for Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka.

Tammy Abraham did pull a goal back five minutes from time and Chelsea could have set up a grandstand finish in stoppage time, but Jorginho’s penalty was saved by Bernd Leno.

Earlier, Manchester United missed out on equalling a Premier League record of 11 straight away wins with a 2-2 draw at Leicester. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men twice went in front at King Power Stadium through Marcus Rashford midway through the first half and Bruno Fernandes 11 minutes from time.

Harvey Barnes’s blistering strike levelled for Leicester before halftime and United was undone by Jamie Vardy’s movement in the box as the veteran striker latched on to Ayoze Perez’s cross and saw his shot deflect in off the unfortunate Axel Tuanzebe.

In other results, Aston Villa eased past Crystal Palace 3-0, Fulham drew 0-0 with Southampton, Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-0 and Everton beat Sheffield United 1-0.