Arsenal boost top-four bid with dramatic win at Chelsea

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.

Nketiah was released by Chelsea as a 16-year-old in 2015 and enjoyed some revenge with his first league goals this season as the Gunners stopped a run of three defeats.

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.

Nketiah settled a pulsating derby when he punished shambolic Chelsea defending in the second half and Bukayo Saka bagged the fourth with a stoppage-time penalty.

"We wanted to give the fans something to believe in us and we did that. We showed fight and character. It’s a huge result," Saka told Sky Sports.

"It means a lot to us. Losing three games in a row is really difficult."

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.

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.

A huge win for Arsenal!!❤❤❤#AFC pic.twitter.com/Lk8Ya2YFNN

Those who were allowed in were treated to a thrilling first half, with Romelu Lukaku's