Arsenal reasserted their grip on the Premier League title race with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1, restoring their five-point cushion at the top of the table over Manchester City.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 60,296, Mikel Arteta's side showcased their devastating set-piece prowess once again, with both goals arriving from corners. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber found the net to register Arsenal's 15th and 16th corner goals of the season, a staggering statistic that underlines just how lethal the Gunners have become from dead-ball situations.

Saliba opened the scoring midway through the first half, rising highest to convert a pinpoint Bukayo Saka delivery from the right. The French centre-back's powerful header left Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with no chance, sending the home faithful into raptures. Arsenal looked comfortable and in control, but Chelsea found a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when a corner of their own caused confusion in the box, resulting in an own goal from Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie. The equalizer sent the teams into the break level and injected fresh life into what had been a relatively one-sided contest.

The second half began with Chelsea growing in confidence, but Arsenal regained the lead in the 66th minute through another aerial triumph. This time it was Timber who rose to meet Declan Rice's inviting inswinging corner, directing a firm header beyond Sanchez to make it 2-1. The Dutch defender wheeled away in celebration as the Emirates erupted once more.

What followed was a moment of madness from Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. The Portuguese attacker picked up a yellow card for protesting Timber's goal, and just minutes later received his marching orders after a reckless challenge on Gabriel Martinelli earned him a second booking. It was Chelsea's seventh red card in the Premier League this season and their second in consecutive matches, a deeply concerning disciplinary record that continues to undermine their campaign.

Despite their numerical advantage, Arsenal were far from comfortable in the closing stages. Chelsea, to their credit, refused to surrender. Alejandro Garnacho unleashed a curling effort in stoppage time that forced a brilliant diving save from David Raya, while Liam Delap thought he had snatched a dramatic equalizer only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The tension inside the Emirates was palpable until the final whistle confirmed all three points for the hosts.

The result leaves Arsenal in a commanding position at the summit as the season enters its crucial final stretch. With their relentless consistency and unmatched set-piece threat, the Gunners are edging closer to ending their 22-year wait for a league title. For Chelsea, the defeat raises more questions about their discipline and composure under pressure, issues that head coach Enzo Maresca will need to address urgently.

Attention now turns to a busy midweek schedule, with Arsenal set to face Brighton away on March 4 as they look to maintain their momentum. Chelsea, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly with difficult fixtures ahead and a Champions League round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain looming on March 11.