Premier League: Chelsea v Arsenal full time report
Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0
Didier Drogba kept up his remarkable goalscoring record against Arsenal as Chelsea overpowered the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.
The Ivorian forward flicked in an Ashley Cole cross with his back to goal to give his side a first half lead, and despite Arsenal enjoying plenty of possession, it was a lead that Chelsea never really looked like losing.
Alex made sure of the points with a fierce 30 yard free kick five minutes from time.
Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri went close for the Gunners in the first half, but they were well beaten by their London rivals.
This heavyweight clash started well, and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny somehow contrived to head over the crossbar when he found himself just a yard away from goal following a corner that was flicked on, before Drogba saw a shot blocked at the other end.
Drogba then found Florent Malouda, who could only prod wide, but it was Arsenal who looked the most settled side, and Arshavin produced a terrific effort that Petr Čech did well to tip around the post, before Nasri was inches wide with a left foot shot.
Back at the other end, Lukasz Fabianski kept out a powerful Drogba effort, but the Ivorian’s moment was to come.
Ramires released Cole down the left flank, and the former Arsenal man delivered a low centre which Drogba – with his back to goal – flicked into the net via the post. He loves playing against the Gunners, this was his 13th goal in his last 11 matches against them.
Arsenal started the second period on top, and Abou Diaby saw an effort deflect narrowly wide, before an error from Sebastien Squillaci allowed Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka to run clean through, but after rounding Fabianski the former Arsenal forward could only sidefoot into the side netting when it looked easier to score.
Cole saw a goal chalked off for offside when he appeared to be level with the last man, and while Arsenal were keeping the ball well, the Blues were protecting their lead and looked dangerous on the break.
Marouane Chamakh headed wide for the Gunners when he could have done better, and as Arsène Wenger chased a goal, he threw on young forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to partner the Moroccan. A goal did some come, but it was at the other end, and what a goal.
Five minutes from time, many expected Drogba to take a free kick around 30 yards from goal, but Brazilian defender Alex charged up to the ball and let fly with a stunning strike that Fabianski could only get a fingertip to on its way into the top corner.
Alex limped off shortly after, but his wonder strike had killed off the Gunners, and Chelsea played out the rest of the game amid joyous scenes from the Stamford Bridge stands.
They look too strong, and on this form they look the potential champions.
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