Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League and ended their four-match winless run, beating Chelsea 3-1 thanks to a first-half double from Martin Odegaard.
The Arsenal captain opened the scoring in the 18th minute, meeting Granit Xhaka’s low cross with a superb first-time shot from the edge of the area that went in off the bar.
Thirteen minutes later, the Norwegian scored his second in almost identical fashion, finishing off a Xhaka cross, this time from the penalty spot, for his 14th league goal of the season.
Having recently twice conceded two-goal leads in their four-match winless run, Arsenal were quick to claim a third, Gabriel Jesus scoring from close range after a goalmouth scramble on 34 minutes.
Arsenal had further chances to add to their lead but it was Chelsea who scored next on 65 minutes.
Mateo Kovacic’s clever pass over the top found Noni Madueke, who bundled the ball in for his first Premier League goal.
But this time Arsenal let in no further goals and the only concern for Mikel Arteta was the sight of central defender Gabriel limping off late on ahead of the trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.
Arsenal, who were unbeaten in all 10 London derbies in a season for the first time in 18 years, go above Manchester City to 78 points, two clear of the champions, but having played two matches more.
City can return to the No 1 spot with a ninth Premier League win in a row at home to West Ham United on Wednesday.
Chelsea sit 12th on 39 points after losing four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since March 1998.
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