Audio By Carbonatix
Arsenal's up and down season is in the ascendancy again after Robin van Persie struck twice in three second-half minutes to stun Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Johan Djourou turned Jose Bosingwa's cross into his own net after 31 minutes to give Chelsea the lead as Arsenal's title challenge looked to be in danger of suffering a potentially fatal blow.
And then, with Chelsea the dominant force, Van Persie delivered two crucial blows to earn Arsene Wenger's side a priceless victory.
He looked well offside when he drilled home the equaliser after 59 minutes, then was on target again on the turn to complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
Arsenal are turning into the Premier League's great enigmas, responding with victories against Manchester United and now Chelsea just when they were being written off as serious title contenders.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are suffering at the place that was once their greatest strength - Stamford Bridge.
After four years of impregnability at home, Chelsea have now lost to Liverpool and Arsenal this season and have won only three out of eight league games at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal knew they could not afford to slip up if they were to maintain a serious title challenge, and they started with real attacking intent.
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech was in action in the 13th minute, plunging to save from Samir Nasri's low shot, with William Gallas - taunted mercilessly by the home fans - just failing to apply a crucial touch from the rebound.
Cesc Fabregas then tested Cech again before Chelsea demonstrated their threat, with a slick exchange between Frank Lampard and Deco almost creating an opening for Nicolas Anelka.
Arsenal's early promise was then undermined when they conceded the sloppiest of goals just after the half hour.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia gifted Chelsea possession with a wayward throw, and when Bosingwa drove in a dangerous low cross from the right, Djourou could only slide the ball into his own goal at the near post.
In contrast to his strike partner Adebayor, Van Persie had been industrious and he tested Cech with a shot on the turn as Arsenal looked to fashion a quick response to Chelsea's goal.
Arsenal's carelessness at the back almost allowed Lampard to double Chelsea's advantage six minutes after the break, the England midfield man failing to make a proper connection with an opening on the edge of the box.
Wenger's side needed a lifeline from somewhere, and they were thrown one by the officials as they equalised in dubious circumstances just before the hour.
Van Persie looked well offside as he was found inside the area by Denilson's pass, and as Chelsea waited for a flag that never came the Dutch striker flashed an emphatic finish high past Cech.
And a remarkable turnaround was complete three minutes later when Van Persie struck against to put Arsenal in front.
Adebayor rose to head down Fabregas' free-kick, and Van Persie produced a stunning low finish to beat Cech again.
Chelsea, inevitably, pressed but Arsenal looked just as likely to add a third, with Cech saving well from Denilson deep in injury time.
Arsenal boss Wenger celebrated with his staff at the final whistle, an indication of just how important he feels this victory can be.
Chelsea's fans, in contrast, greeted the final whistle with jeers.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, A Cole, Mikel (Malouda 69), Deco (Stoch 81), Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Bridge, Ferreira, Mineiro, Alex.
Booked: Terry, Ivanovic.
Goals: Djourou 31 og.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Nasri, Adebayor (Bendtner 83), Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Gibbs.
Goals: Van Persie 59, 62.
Att: 41,760.
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Source: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Alhassan Suhuyini makes Christmas donations to churches within Tamale North Constituency
49 minutes -
Meet 81-year-old father of UCC Acting Vice-Chancellor, who recently graduated with an MBA
1 hour -
Did you know that Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, is the ‘Ken Ofori-Atta of Afghanistan? – Kay Codjoe writes
1 hour -
Kidnap suspect arrested in Tamale as Police rescue victim after four days
1 hour -
Tema Oil Refinery resumes crude refining after years of shutdown
2 hours -
Kojo Antwi thrills fans with regal entry, marathon performance at ‘Antwified’ concert
2 hours -
Ofori Amponsah surprises KiDi at ‘Likor On The Beach’ 2025
2 hours -
Joy FM thanks sponsors, partners and patrons after spectacular 2025 Family Party-in-the-Park
2 hours -
‘Christmas babies’ and their mothers in Volta and Oti regions receive MTN hampers
3 hours -
One dead, another injured after accident at Atwedie
3 hours -
Maggi Waakye Summit draws thousands as Ghana’s biggest waakye festival returns
4 hours -
Western Regional Minister urges Ghanaians to use Christmas to deepen national cohesion  Â
5 hours -
Thousands turn Aburi Gardens into a festive paradise at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
5 hours -
Source of GOLDBOD’s trading funds questioned amid reported $214m loss
5 hours -
Kind Hearted Beings Charity spreads joy during festive season
5 hours
