Chelsea holds on to beat Arsenal 2-1
Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in the English Premier League on Sunday.
Chelsea ended its barren run at home by holding off a second-half fightback by Arsenal to win 2-1 on Sunday, tightening the team s grip on third place in the Premier League and leaving its London rival struggling to make the top four.
Juan Mata s excellent finish and a penalty from Frank Lampard gave Chelsea a two-goal lead after only 16 minutes as Arsenal s frail defense wilted under gentle but regular snowfall at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors couldn t help but improve in the second half and a 58th-minute goal by winger Theo Walcott signed up on Friday for a further 3 ½ years at the club offered them hope of at least a draw.
Aided by some desperate defending, Chelsea hung on for only its third win in eight home matches and first in four in all competitions under interim manager Rafa Benitez. The European champions remain favorites to take the final automatic Champions League qualification spot behind the Manchester clubs, who are battling for the title.
