Chelsea down Arsenal to cement top spot

LONDON (AFP) –

Chelsea‘s Spanish striker Fernando Torres reacts during the English Premier League football match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in north London. Chelsea cemented their position on top of the Premier League as Juan Mata inspired a 2-1 victory over the London rivals.

Chelsea cemented their position on top of the Premier League as Juan Mata inspired a 2-1 victory over London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

Roberto di Matteo’s side moved four points clear of second-placed Manchester United, who host Tottenham in Saturday’s late game, thanks to Mata’s second-half winner, after Gervinho had cancelled out Fernando Torres’s opener.

Inevitably, Chelsea captain John Terry had to endure taunts from Arsenal fans after this week’s Football Association verdict that he was guilty of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League match last October.

But Terry had the last laugh as Chelsea, unbeaten in the league this season, secured their first win at the Emirates Stadium since November 2009 and handed the Gunners their first league defeat of the campaign.

“It was a big challenge to play against a quality side like Arsenal,” said Chelsea manager di Matteo. “We are very pleased. We were excellent today and deserved the win.

“Fernando Torres was excellent, his contribution was very good. It was right to pick John Terry, he showed his leadership again today.

“We pressed Arsenal and didn’t allow them to find their rhythm,” the former Chelsea and Italy midfielder added.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger slammed a poor defensive display that will raise fresh questions about whether the Gunners, without a major trophy in seven years, can challenged for the title.

“I am deeply disappointed,” the Frenchman said. “We gave two cheap goals away, they had three shots on goal and scored two goals. It is unacceptable to give goals like that away in the big games.

“We lacked real authority and decisiveness at the back.”

Chelsea took the lead in the 20th minute when Spain forward Torres produced an instinctive close-range volley from Mata’s free-kick.

After a slow start, Arsenal finally found some momentum towards the end of the half and equalised in the 42nd minute.

When Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain whipped in a low cross from the right flank, Chelsea’s defenders were caught too deep and Ivory Coast forward Gervinho took advantage of the space with a quick turn and blistering finish into the roof of the net.

But Mata put the European champions back in front as the Spanish midfielder’s 53rd-minute free-kick curled across the penalty area and glanced in off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.