"Never easy": Gary Neville sends message to Arsenal after 2-1 derby win vs Chelsea

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has sent his reaction following Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Gunners started the derby with a two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table and extended the gap by beating the Blues.

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber scored from corners, while Chelsea’s consolation came through a Piero Hincapie own goal before the interval.

Speaking after the game, Neville said that it is ‘never easy’ when a title challenger plays first as it adds pressure, but Arsenal managed to get over the line.

He told Sky Sports: “Arsenal have found a way. It’s never easy to play second, especially when Man City get the points on the board. It adds pressure, it does. But they got over the line. It’s a good day for the Gunners.”

Arsenal dropped costly points against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road last month, and there were genuine question marks over their title credentials.

However, they have responded brilliantly with back-to-back victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. They had to work hard for the London derby win over the Blues.

The Gunners were probably second-best after Chelsea went down to 10 men. The Blues had twice the number of passes as the hosts during the final 30 minutes of the contest.

Despite this, Arsenal went over the line with another victory. David Raya was exceptional between the sticks and came up with a world-class save in stoppage time to deny Alejandro Garnacho.

With the result, the north London giants have regained their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the league standings, but the Cityzens have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.

Next up, Arsenal face Brighton & Hove Albion on the road in the league on Wednesday night. Pep Guardiola’s side will kick off at the same time against Nottingham Forest at home.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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