Chelsea beat Arsenal in preseason friendly

Defensive errors proved costly for Arsenal as Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners in a competitive pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

Following Arsenal Women’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, it was the turn of the men, and it was the visitors who took the lead through Kai Havertz’s 26th-minute strike.

Emile Smith Rowe hit the woodwork as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser, while Hakim Ziyech also struck the post as Chelsea went in at the break with the lead.

The Gunners, who handed a debut to £50m signing Ben White at the start of the second half, eventually found a response through Granit Xhaka’s header but just four minutes later Hector Bellerin gifted possession to Tammy Abraham and the striker, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, restored Chelsea’s lead.

Mikel Arteta’s side thought they’d grabbed an equaliser when Joe Willock’s shot crashed down off the underside of the crossbar and across the line, but the goal wasn’t given as Chelsea held on for a confidence-boosting win ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners will go again when they face cross-town rivals, Tottenham.

Source: Sky Sports

Tags: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Chelsea beat Arsenal in preseason friendly

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