Chelsea had the first chance on goal inside five minutes when Gunners defender Bacary Sagna was dispossessed by Nicolas Anelka who slid into the box. Only a perfectly-timed tackle by Cesc Fabregas prevented the former Arsenal man from scoring.

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia showed signs of form early on and made a vital save in the 24th minute when Frank Lampard headed Jose Bosingwa's cross toward goal. Ultimately, it was a mistake from Almunia which led to the Blues taking the lead as the Spanish goalkeeper was too hasty to roll the ball out after making a save and Bosingwa pounced on the loose ball and swung a low cross into the area. Defender Johan Djourou then turned the ball into his own net as he was under immense pressure from Salomon Kalou.

Five minutes before the break Arsenal had a chance to make it 1-1 when van Persie found space in the area and forced a one-handed save from Petr Cech following his right-footed effort.

Chelsea dominated the majority of the first half through territory and possession and it looked like they were going to continue that way in the second period. However, the Gunners failed to believe they were a beaten side and made matters level on 59 minutes when van Persie found the back of the net.

Chelsea players complained the Dutchman was offside when he received Samir Nasri's through ball, but the referee insisted the ball touched Ashley Cole on its way to the striker, thereby playing him onside.

The Gunners star then made got his second goal within three minutes when he put Arsenal in the lead with a superb left-footed finish. Arsenal won a free-kick outside the area which Emmanuel Adebayor headed down for his strike partner who buried it past Cech to leave the Stamford Bridge crowd stunned.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men then pushed for the equaliser, but both Michael Ballack and Deco hit long-range efforts which failed to trouble Almunia. Three minutes from time substitute Florent Malouda also found himself in space, but failed to get the Blues back in the game.

Arsenal had a chance to make it three in stoppage time when Nicklas Bendtner broke free on goal. The Dane played the ball across the box to Denilson, but Cech was on hand to make a crucial save.

The win moves Arsenal up to fourth and keeps them in the Premier League hunt as they are now just seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

(Source:soccer365.com)