Eddie Nketiah boosted Arsenal’s bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League as the striker’s double inspired a dramatic 4-2 win against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Nketiah was released by Chelsea as a 16-year-old in 2015 and he exacted a measure of revenge with his first league goals this season.
The 22-year-old put Arsenal ahead early on at Stamford Bridge before Timo Werner equalised.
Mikel Arteta’s side regained the lead trough Emile Smith Rowe, only for Cesar Azpilicueta to draw Chelsea level again.
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Nketiah settled a pulsating London derby when he punished shambolic Chelsea defending in the second half and Bukayo Saka bagged the fourth with a stoppage-time penalty.
After losing their last three games, Nketiah’s crucial contribution lifted Arsenal back into the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top-four finish.
The Gunners are in fifth place, behind fourth-placed Tottenham on goal difference with both teams having six games to play.
Arsenal’s hopes of returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2017 face another vital test against sixth-placed Manchester United on Saturday.
FA Cup finalists Chelsea remain in third place, but they are now only five points ahead of Arsenal and cannot take a top four place for granted.
Stamford Bridge was at slightly less than full capacity as ticket restrictions, triggered by the British government sanctions on Roman Abramovich, took hold for the first time.
Those who were allowed in were treated to a thrilling first half, with Romelu Lukaku’s travails continuing as the misfiring Chelsea striker scuffed a good chance wide in the early stages.
With Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger absent, Chelsea’s defending was extremely unconvincing and Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute.
