VIKTOR GYOKERES finally ended his goal drought as Arsenal put one foot in the Carabao Cup final with a 3-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old striker scored the second of the three goals with a tap-in after Robert Sanchez let a Ben White cross slip through his fingers.
It came following a headed opener from the right-back in the early stages.
Alejandro Garnacho got one back for the Blues in the 57th minute but Martin Zubimendi restored the two-goal lead with a composed finish.
With just under 10 minutes left to play, Garnacho gave his team another glimmer of hope with a brilliant strike from a corner.
However, the hosts could not find an all-important equaliser.
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Arsenal now have the advantage going into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
Here’s how SunSport’s Simon Collings rated the performance…
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 8
Back at his old club and will be disappointed with how he performed. There was little he could do about Chelsea’s first goal, but the Spaniard was poor for the second. Came for a corner and got nowhere near it.
Ben White – 8
Opened the scoring with what most go down as the easiest goal of his career – and then assisted Arsenal’s second. Struggled with fitness all season, but he was really sharp tonight and combined well with Saka.
William Saliba – 7
Passed a late fitness test to start in the heart of defence. Some of his play on the ball was a joke and he very nearly bent an effort into the top corner as well. Will be a bit disappointed to lose a 50-50 in the lead up to Chelsea’s goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Arsenal’s defence has looked so much better since he returned from injury at the end of last month. Made so many huge blocks and some vital clearances when Arsenal were under the cosh. Missed a good chance to make it 4-1, though.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Started at left-back for the first time this season after getting the nod over Myles Lewis-Skelly. Had his hands full for Estevao – who was bright – but just about managed to hold his own overall. Bombed forward a lot.
Declan Rice – 7
Created the opening goal with a lovely whipped corner in from the left. Should have had another assist in the second half, but Gabriel headed another great corner wide. Made some crucial blocks.
Martin Zubimendi – 8
Took his goal with so much composure and in the manner that a veteran striker would. Had an unfortunate slip in the build-up to Chelsea’s goal, but he was otherwise excellent.
Martin Odegaard – 6
A pretty quiet night for the Arsenal captain by his high standards. Tested Sanchez with one effort from outside the box early in the second half, but that was it. Taken off with just over 20 minutes to go.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Had a right old battle with Marc Cucurella. Kept quiet in the first half – but came alive after the break. Linked up nicely with White and was involved in Arsenal’s second and third goals.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Overcame a knock to return to the team having missed Sunday’s win at Portsmouth. He was bright in the early stages and went close after one mazy run in the box. Caused Josh Acheampong so many problems that Wesley Fofana was moved to right-back.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8
What a night for the Swede and his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Gifted his goal by some shambolic goalkeeping, but did really well to tee up Zubimendi for the Gunners’ third. Worked tirelessly off the ball, too.