Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a tense 2-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

The pressure had been firmly on the league leaders after Manchester City reduced the gap to two points with a win at Leeds United on Saturday. But Arsenal responded with resilience — and once again, with deadly efficiency from corners.

After a cautious opening with few clear chances, the breakthrough came in the 21st minute. Gabriel Magalhaes met Bukayo Saka’s corner and headed the ball back across goal. William Saliba then challenged at close range, and the ball struck Mamadou Sarr on the arm before crossing the line.

Chelsea responded well. Growing in confidence, they began to threaten from their own set-pieces and found an equaliser just before half-time. A corner from Reece James was flicked on, with Piero Hincapie getting the decisive touch as the ball ended up in Arsenal’s net.

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half, creating a nervous mood around the stadium. However, Arsenal’s strength from dead balls proved decisive again. Declan Rice delivered a precise corner and Jurrien Timber rose highest to power home. It marked Arsenal’s 16th goal from a corner this season and ultimately secured three vital points in the title race.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta later introduced Gabriel Martinelli to add pace on the counter-attack. When Martinelli broke forward, he was pulled down by Pedro Neto, who had already been booked. The second yellow card reduced Chelsea to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining.

There was late drama when Liam Delap bundled the ball into the net, seemingly rescuing a point. But celebrations were cut short as Joao Pedro was ruled clearly offside in the build-up.

The victory moves Arsenal to 64 points, five clear of Manchester City, though they have played one game more. With the title race intensifying, Arteta’s side once again showed they can deliver when the pressure is highest.