Published: 20:20, 1 March 2026 | Updated: 20:20, 1 March 2026

Mikel Arteta said David Raya’s heroics brought his heart ‘back to life’ as Arsenal fended off Chelsea to go five points clear at the top.

William Saliba’s header was cancelled out by a Piero Hincapie own goal before half-time, but Jurrien Timber struck from Declan Rice’s corner in the 66th minute to seal victory.

It was not without a nervy finale, though, as goalkeeper Raya pulling off a series of solid stops, including a stunning save to deny Alejandro Garnacho’s cross from going into the net in injury time.

The Blues earlier had Pedro Neto sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.

Arteta said: ‘He (Raya) is a keeper that knows how to maintain his focus and decide a football match when you need it because sometimes he doesn't participate at all, and then in one action, you have to be there, and that's very, very difficult to do.

‘The save that he made it in the last action... it's a cross, not a shot but...