Kai Havertz (L) of Arsenal in action against Marc Cucurella of Chelsea during the English Premier League soccer match of Arsenal FC against Chelsea FC, in London, Britain, 23 April 2024. EFE-EPA/ANDY RAIN EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Arsenal thrash Chelsea to remain at the top

London, Apr 23 (EFE).- Ben White and Kai Havertz each scored a brace as Arsenal thrashed Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday to remain firmly in the title race of the English Premier League.

The Gunners, who also defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend, are now four points ahead of holders Manchester City, who nevertheless have two matches in hand.

Liverpool can join Arsenal at the top of the league with 77 points should they beat Everton at Goodison Park this game week.

Beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal, Arsenal responded with some quality performances, something they missed at the business end of last year.

Chelsea, playing without the sick Cole Palmer, the joint top scorer of the league, found themselves at the receiving end.

Ben White (C) of Arsenal in action against Mykhailo Mudryk (L) of Chelsea during the English Premier League soccer match of Arsenal FC against Chelsea FC, in London, Britain, 23 April 2024. EFE-EPA/ANDY RAIN EDITORIAL USE ONLY

The rout began as Thomas Partey allowed Declan Rice to burst forward in just four minutes of the game.

Rice found Leandro Trossard, who smashed a low drive past Djordje Petrovic on his left foot from a narrow angle for his fifth goal in his last eight Premier League starts and Arsenal’s 100th game of the season.

The visitors came close to equalizing when Nicolas Jackson’s cross was deflected onto the post by Gabriel, and Enzo Fernandez cushioned a shot just wide.

Arsenal mounted pressure at the start of the second half and reaped the reward in the 52nd minute as Martin Odegaard’s shot deflected off Petrovic and White scored from the rebound.

An incredible curling pass from Odegaard was soon collected by Havertz, who lifted it beyond Petrovic to make it 3-0.

Saka set up for Havertz and scored the fourth goal before White had the ball in the net again after receiving it from Odegaard to complete the rout.

Arsenal will make a trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday for their next match. EFE

Leandro Trossard (L) of Arsenal in action against Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during the English Premier League soccer match of Arsenal FC against Chelsea FC, in London, Britain, 23 April 2024. EFE-EPA/ANDY RAIN EDITORIAL USE ONLY

msg/am/pd