Chelsea damages Arsenal’s title push by winning derby 1-0

Chelsea belied the Premier League table to win 1-0 away at Arsenal, dealing a blow to the Gunners title hopes in the process.

The game took a huge twist after just 18 minutes as Per Mertesacker received a straight red as the German worldwide took Costa down while the Spaniard appeared set to bear down on goal.

The result preserved the defending champions’ unbeaten record under experienced Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who took over as interim manager last month following Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

The Blues managed to see out the remaining stages of the second half to clinch the three points, which has seen them move up to 13th.

The hatred for Costa continued to go through the roof after he got Mertesacker sent off and netted the goal to put the Blues ahead.

Arsenal tried to rally in their new shape – with Walcott playing through the middle – but Chelsea were largely unflustered with John Terry in commanding form at the heart of their defence. The first major talking point in the match came early when Willian threaded a ball behind the Arsenal back line for Diego Costa to run onto.

Costa, an unpopular character with Arsenal supporters for his antics in the reverse fixture back in September, opened the scoring seconds later by slamming home Branislav Ivanovic’s cross.

Arsenal were nearly level at the break, but Flamini, who was unmarked six yards out, hit a head-high volley way off target.

Chelsea had the first few opportunities, forcing Petr Cech into a save two minutes in and seeing a cutback defended well after five minutes.

With Chelsea continuing to probe in the second half – ex-Arsenal favourite Cesc Fabregas seeing a strong penalty claim waved away after being impeded by Koscielny – Wenger turned to Sanchez.

Costa departed, beneath a hail of boos, in the 68th minute, with Loic Remy coming on, while Eden Hazard made his return following a three-game groin injury lay-off as a replacement for Oscar.