LONDON: Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday, while Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 defeat at struggling Leeds.
Arsenal were not at their sharpest at the Emirates but secured another important step toward a first league title since 2003 thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka.
Merino, preferred up front despite Viktor Gyokeres’ return, opened the scoring with a powerful header from Ben White’s cross.
“It’s unbelievable what he has done again today… the movement, the finish,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka, introduced on the hour mark, sealed the win in stoppage time with a low strike that beat Caoimhin Kelleher.
At Elland Road, Leeds delivered a much-needed response for under-pressure manager Daniel Farke, climbing out of the relegation zone with a spirited performance. Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka struck early to put the hosts in control, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin punished a defensive lapse for their third.
Pedro Neto had earlier pulled one back for Chelsea.
“A very poor night… they were better than us in all aspects,” said Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
Liverpool’s struggles continued after a 1-1 draw with Sunderland, rescued only by a late Nordi Mukiele own-goal. Aston Villa climbed to third with a dramatic 4-3 comeback win at Brighton.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest edged Wolves 1-0, while Crystal Palace beat Burnley by the same scoreline to move fifth. – AFP
