Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea FT

[Salem6]

Final score - Highbury Attendance: 38,172

Arsenal 2 - 1 Chelsea

Edu (4)
Thierry Henry (74)

Hernan Crespo (7)



Teams
1 Jens Lehmann
23 Sol Campbell
3 Ashley Cole
17 Edu
12 Bisan Lauren
15 Ray Parlour
7 Robert Pires
19 Gilberto Silva
28 Kolo Toure
14 Thierry Henry
11 Sylvain Wiltord

Carlo Cudicini 23
Wayne Bridge 18
Glen Johnson 2
Mario Melchiot 15
Damien Duff 11
Njitap Geremi 14
Robert Huth 29
Frank Lampard 8
Claude Makelele 4
Hernan Crespo 21
Adrian Mutu 7



Substitutes
33 Graham Stack
18 Pascal Cygan
30 Jeremie Aliadiere
10 Dennis Bergkamp
25 Nwankwo Kanu

Marco Ambrosio 31
Joe Cole 10
Jesper Gronkjaer 30
Mario Stanic 12
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 9



Substitutions
N Kanu for R Parlour (65)
D Bergkamp for S Wiltord (65)
P Cygan for R Pires (90)

J Gronkjaer for A Mutu (66)
J Cole for D Duff (70)
J Hasselbaink for N Geremi (77)



Yellow Cards
Ray Parlour (6)

Claude Makelele (10)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (82)



Red Cards
None None


Referee: P Durkin

[Salem6]

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Carlo Cudicini's calamitous error put Arsenal back on the Premiership summit and condemned Chelsea to their first league defeat of the season at Highbury.



The battle of London's championship contenders looked to be heading for a draw until Cudicini's dramatic mistake with only 15 minutes left.

Edu gave Arsenal a fourth minute lead before £17m Hernan Crespo scored a brilliant leveller almost instantly.

But Arsenal were effectively handed victory when Cudicini fumbled Robert Pires' cross fatally for Thierry Henry to put Arsenal in front.

It left Chelsea still seeking their first Premiership victory at Highbury after 12 visits and delivered the first serious dent to the growing title optimism at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were dealt a blow prior to kick-off when England defender John Terry was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Mario Melchiot was drafted in and experienced an explosive start to the game as both the Premiership high-fliers hit the target.

KEY MOMENTS
4 mins: Edu's deflected free-kick puts Arsenal in front
7 mins: Hernan Crespo fires Chelsea level
75 mins: Carlo Cudicini presents Thierry Henry with Arsenal's second

Arsenal were without the suspended Patrick Vieira, but his replacement, Edu, put the Gunners in front after only four minutes.

Chelsea defender Glen Johnson was penalised for handball and Edu's 25-yard free-kick was deflected beyond Cudicini.

Ranieri's side responded within three minutes, levelling in spectacular style courtesy of Crespo.

It was a moment of sheer brilliance from the Argentine, who took Geremi's pass, left Lauren in his wake and fired a brilliant long-range drive into the top corner past a startled Jens Lehmann.

Arsenal and Chelsea were producing a contest worthy of the world-class talent on show, with play swinging from end to end.

Johnson tested Lehmann with a long-range effort - then Lauren attempted something similar for Arsenal but fired wastefully wide.

Cudicini needed to be alert after 35 minutes when he saved a shot from Henry that came through a crowd of players.

"It doesn't take millions to win the league - just good old talent and team spirit " From David Ng'ang'a.

But Chelsea almost ended the half in the ascendancy as Crespo had another opportunity but was off target.

Arsenal took control at the start of second half, but Chelsea still showed plenty of evidence to suggest they have the resilience to be serious title contenders this season.

Pires almost carved out an opening for Gilberto, but once again Cudicini was equal to the task.

And the Italian came to Chelsea's rescue again as time ran out, saving brilliantly from Henry - and from the resulting corner substitue Kanu struck the angle of post and bar.

But it was a dreadful error by Cudicini that gifted Arsenal the lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Dennis Bergkamp was having a major influence, and his quick free-kick caught Chelsea out.

But Cudicini appeared to have averted the danger by collecting Pires' cross, only to fumble the ball on to Henry and into the net.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arsenal: Lehmann, Lauren, Campbell, Toure, Cole, Parlour (Kanu 66), Silva, Edu, Pires (Cygan 90), Henry, Wiltord (Bergkamp 66).
Subs Not Used: Aliadiere, Stack.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Johnson, Melchiot, Huth, Bridge, Geremi (Hasselbaink 78), Makelele, Lampard, Duff (Cole 71), Crespo, Mutu (Gronkjaer 67).
Subs Not Used: Stanic, Ambrosio.

Booked: Makelele, Hasselbaink.

Attendance: 38,172

Referee: P Durkin (Dorset).


Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Arsenal's Edu opens the scoring after just five minutes when his low drive deflects off Ray Parlour


Edu's goal gives Arsenal a vital advantage in a must-win game for both sides


Chelsea respond almost immediately - Hernan Crespo blasts the ball into the net to equalise


Thierry Henry slots in the winner with only five minutes left to play when Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini fumbles a Robert Pires cross to gift the Gunners the points


Henry's goal provides a vital boost to Arsenal's title chances as they sit at the top of the Premiership table

[Salem6]

Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini made one of the howlers of the season to gift Arsenal a victory which lifted them back to the top of the Barclaycard Premiership.

The Italian's blunder, which allowed Thierry Henry to grab a 75th-minute winner, overshadowed a world-class goal from Hernan Crespo after seven minutes, which had equalised Edu's opener three minutes earlier.

Nor was it the first time this season that Cudicini had gifted the opposition a goal, as it was his similar glaring error which helped Besiktas beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League earlier this month.

The result will no doubt ruin manager Claudio Ranieri's 52nd birthday on Monday, and his players must bounce back quickly as they are at home to Lazio in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Arsenal enjoyed the perfect start by taking the lead after four minutes with their 700th Premiership goal.

Glen Johnson handled the ball to concede a free-kick 25 yards from goal, just right of centre. Edu struck a low drive which Parlour cleverly diverted into Cudicini's bottom left corner.

The hosts' joy lasted until only three minutes, however, as Crespo hit a brilliant equaliser. Fed by Geremi on the left, he skipped inside of Lauren and unleashed a a fierce shot from 25 yards which flew into the top right corner with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann rooted to the spot.

The winner came when substitute Dennis Bergkamp won a free-kick which he took quickly and released Robert Pires on the right, but his low cross aimed at Henry looked a waste as it was far too close to the goalkeeper.

However, as Cudicini went to scoop up the ball he somehow spilled it on to the leg of Henry and it ran over the line for a goal.

This was seen as the first real test of Chelsea's title credentials - but the harsh reality was that it ended in failure, and they have still never won at Highbury in the Premiership.

After the electric start with two goals inside the first seven minutes it looked as if the capacity Highbury crowd were in for a treat, but the game never lived up to that early promise.

Arsenal were effective on their left as Johnson looked the weak link and Ashley Cole and Sylvain Wiltord did well on the overlap, but Cudicini was handling the crosses well.

In the 27th minute Henry charged forward from inside his own half, holding off the challenge of Claude Makelele and Robert Huth before eventually being hustled out by Mario Melchiot - making his 100th league start for the Blues.

Chelsea went forward and Lampard tried his luck with a good low drive from 20 yards, but Lehmann made the save diving to his right.

Two minutes later it was the turn of Arsenal right-back Lauren to try something similar, but his good run ended in disappointment as his effort flew high and wide.

Chelsea might have finished the half on a high note as after 42 minutes the ball fell nicely for Crespo on the right edge of the box, but he perhaps took too long to shoot and lashed his effort over the bar.

Arsenal took charge after the break and Parlour's deep 66th-minute cross fell for Pires who drilled in a low shot which was well gathered by Cudicini. That was followed by a corner and it was the hard-working Frenchman again providing the shot which was again saved.

The game was drifting and needed a change and it was Wenger who made the first double move by bringing on Kanu and Dennis Bergkamp for Parlour and Wiltord after 65 minutes. Ranieri responded two minutes later by sending on Jesper Gronkjaer for the ineffective Mutu.

Gronkjaer provided a good cross within a minute which Crespo headed down, but there was no blue shirt to challenge Lehmann.

Ranieri made his second change by replacing Duff with Cole after 71 minutes, and it needed a brilliant save by Cudicini from Henry to keep Chelsea on level terms a minute later.

Gilberto fed Henry on the edge of the six-yard box and when he turned towards goal he looked destined to score, until the Italian goalkeeper threw himself to his left to push the ball behind. The danger was not over as from the corner Kanu headed against the post.

However, Cudicini's brilliance was quickly forgotten as he dropped the ball at the feet of Henry, who did not know a great deal about it as he bundled home the winner.




Teams:

Arsenal Lehmann, Lauren, Campbell, Toure, Cole, Parlour (Kanu 66), Silva, Edu, Pires (Cygan 90), Henry, Wiltord (Bergkamp 66).

Subs Not Used: Aliadiere, Stack.

Goals: Edu 5, Henry 75.

Chelsea Cudicini, Johnson, Melchiot, Huth, Bridge, Geremi (Hasselbaink 78), Makelele, Lampard, Duff (Cole 71), Crespo, Mutu (Gronkjaer 67).

Subs Not Used: Stanic, Ambrosio.

Booked: Makelele, Hasselbaink.

Goals: Crespo 8.

Att: 38,172

Ref: P Durkin (Dorset).

[Salem6]

90 The referee blows for full time.
90 Attacking throw-in by Pascal Cygan (Arsenal).
90 Shot by Joe Cole (Chelsea) volleyed right-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
90 Foul by . Edu (Arsenal) on Mario Melchiot (Chelsea). Arsenal substitution: Robert Pires replaced by Pascal Cygan (tactical). Free kick crossed right-footed by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea) from right channel, clearance by Sol Campbell (Arsenal).
89 Foul by Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal) on Joe Cole (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Claude Makelele (Chelsea) from left channel, resulting in open play.
88 Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal).
87 Cross by Frank Lampard (Chelsea), save (caught) by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
87 Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
87 Attacking throw-in by Jesper Gronkjaer (Chelsea).
86 Attacking throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
83 Bad foul by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea) on Jens Lehmann (Arsenal). Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick taken right-footed by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
83 Defending throw-in by Robert Huth (Chelsea).
81 Cross by Jesper Gronkjaer (Chelsea), save (caught) by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
79 Defending throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
78 Shot by Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal) drilled right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. Chelsea substitution: Njitap Geremi replaced by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
78 Foul by Jesper Gronkjaer (Chelsea) on Robert Pires (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal) from left wing, passed.
77 Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
76 Goal kick taken long by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
75 Foul by Claude Makelele (Chelsea) on Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal) from right channel, passed. Cross by Robert Pires (Arsenal), save (fumbled) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea). Goal by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea. Assist (cross) by Robert Pires (Arsenal) from right wing.
74 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal) to near post, clearance by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea).
73 Shot by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (6 yards), brilliant save (parried) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal) to near post, header by Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), hit woodwork.
72 Foul by Ashley Cole (Arsenal) on Frank Lampard (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Glen Johnson (Chelsea) from right wing, passed.
71 Thierry Henry (Arsenal) caught offside. Chelsea substitution: Damien Duff replaced by Joe Cole (tactical). Free kick taken right-footed by Robert Huth (Chelsea) from own half, passed.
69 Cross by Jesper Gronkjaer (Chelsea), resulting in open play.
68 Foul by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal) on Njitap Geremi (Chelsea). Free kick taken left-footed by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea) from left channel, resulting in open play.
68 Defending throw-in by Ashley Cole (Arsenal).
67 Chelsea substitution: Adrian Mutu replaced by Jesper Gronkjaer (tactical). Defending throw-in by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea).
66 Arsenal substitution: Ray Parlour replaced by Nwankwo Kanu (tactical). Arsenal substitution: Sylvain Wiltord replaced by Dennis Bergkamp (tactical). Attacking throw-in by Ashley Cole (Arsenal).
66 Foul by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) on Sol Campbell (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Sol Campbell (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
65 Cross by . Edu (Arsenal), header by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
64 Cross by Adrian Mutu (Chelsea), blocked by Sol Campbell (Arsenal). Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Adrian Mutu (Chelsea).
63 Defending throw-in by Ashley Cole (Arsenal).
63 Foul by Damien Duff (Chelsea) on . Edu (Arsenal). Free kick taken left-footed by Ashley Cole (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
62 Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
61 Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
59 Defending throw-in by Adrian Mutu (Chelsea).
59 Cross by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), save (punched) by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
59 Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Adrian Mutu (Chelsea).
58 Shot by Robert Pires (Arsenal) volleyed right-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
58 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) to near post, clearance by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea).
57 Shot by Robert Pires (Arsenal) volleyed right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
56 Foul by Claude Makelele (Chelsea) on Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal) from right channel, passed.
55 Cross by Robert Pires (Arsenal), clearance by Unknown Player (Chelsea). Shot by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal) drilled right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
54 Cross by Glen Johnson (Chelsea), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken short by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
54 Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
54 Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea). Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
53 Weak shot by Robert Pires (Arsenal) mishit right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
51 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) to near post, save (punched) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
50 Cross by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal), header by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
50 Attacking throw-in by Robert Pires (Arsenal).
49 Cross by Glen Johnson (Chelsea), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
49 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Damien Duff (Chelsea) to centre, clearance by Kolo Toure (Arsenal).
48 Foul by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal) on Damien Duff (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) from own half, resulting in open play.
48 Attacking throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
47 Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Ashley Cole (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
45 The second half kicks off.

[Salem6]

45 The referee blows for half time.
45 Cross by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
45 Cross by Ashley Cole (Arsenal), clearance by Robert Huth (Chelsea). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by . Edu (Arsenal) to centre, clearance by Adrian Mutu (Chelsea).
45 Foul by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) on Robert Pires (Arsenal). Free kick taken left-footed by Ashley Cole (Arsenal) from left channel, passed.
44 Foul by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal) on Damien Duff (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) from own half, passed.
43 Shot by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) volleyed right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
42 Attacking throw-in by Ray Parlour (Arsenal).
41 Foul by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea) on Bisan Lauren (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
41 Foul by Ray Parlour (Arsenal) on Njitap Geremi (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) from own half, passed.
40 Defending throw-in by Robert Pires (Arsenal).
38 Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
37 Shot by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) drilled right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
36 Attacking throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
35 Foul by Glen Johnson (Chelsea) on Ashley Cole (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal) from left wing, shot by . Edu (Arsenal) drilled left-footed from right channel (18 yards), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
35 Foul by Robert Huth (Chelsea) on Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal) from right channel, passed.
34 Defending throw-in by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea). Defending throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
34 Shot by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal) mishit left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
33 Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson (Chelsea).
32 Shot by Glen Johnson (Chelsea) curled left-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
31 Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
29 Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Kolo Toure (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
29 Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Claude Makelele (Chelsea) from own half, passed.
28 Shot by Frank Lampard (Chelsea) drilled right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
28 Attacking throw-in by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea).
27 Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
26 Attacking throw-in by Ashley Cole (Arsenal).
25 Goal kick taken long by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
23 Foul by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) on Ashley Cole (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal) from left wing, passed.
23 Goal kick taken short by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
22 Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Robert Huth (Chelsea) from own half, resulting in open play.
21 Defending throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
20 Defending throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
20 Cross by Ashley Cole (Arsenal), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
18 Foul by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) on Bisan Lauren (Arsenal). Free kick crossed right-footed by Robert Pires (Arsenal) from right wing, clearance by Robert Huth (Chelsea).
18 Cross by Ashley Cole (Arsenal), resulting in open play. Defending throw-in by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea).
17 Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Kolo Toure (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
16 Cross by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), save (caught) by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
15 Foul by Gilberto Silva (Arsenal) on Adrian Mutu (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) from left channel, header by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) from centre of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).
15 Attacking throw-in by Damien Duff (Chelsea).
14 Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) from own half, resulting in open play.
14 Attacking throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
13 Foul by Ray Parlour (Arsenal) on Njitap Geremi (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) from own half, resulting in open play.
13 Attacking throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
11 Foul by Claude Makelele (Chelsea) on Robert Pires (Arsenal). Claude Makelele (Chelsea) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick taken left-footed by Ashley Cole (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
8 Goal by Hernan Crespo (Chelsea) drilled right-footed (top-right of goal) from right channel (30 yards).Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea. Assist (pass) by Claude Makelele (Chelsea) from right channel.
7 Foul by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) on Ray Parlour (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
7 Foul by Ray Parlour (Arsenal) on Damien Duff (Chelsea). Free kick crossed right-footed by Njitap Geremi (Chelsea) from left wing, clearance by Sol Campbell (Arsenal).
4 Handball by Glen Johnson (Chelsea). Free kick taken left-footed by Thierry Henry (Arsenal) from right channel, goal by . Edu (Arsenal) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right channel (25 yards).Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea.
3 Attacking throw-in by Wayne Bridge (Chelsea).
3 Cross by Ashley Cole (Arsenal), save (caught) by Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
3 Defending throw-in by Bisan Lauren (Arsenal).
1 Foul by . Edu (Arsenal) on Damien Duff (Chelsea). Free kick taken right-footed by Frank Lampard (Chelsea) from left channel, passed.