Late Bellerin Strike Denies Chelsea Second Spot As London Derby Clash Ends In A Four-Goal Thriller

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin scored in added time to salvage a 2-2 draw for his side against champions Chelsea and also deny the Blues a chance to secure second spot in what was a Premier League London Derby clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Both teams wasted glorious opportunities to take the lead in a thrilling first half that ended goalless before England midfielder Jack Wilshere scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the second half after his fierce shot went in off the post.

Chelsea’s response was instantaneous after Eden Hazard levelled proceedings for his side from the penalty spot as the aforementioned Bellerin was harshly adjudged to have fouled the Belgian playmaker in the Gunners’ box.

Antonio Conte’s side then went on to take the lead for the first time following Marcos Alonso’s first time finish from substitute Davide Zappacosta’s cross before Bellerin’s late intervention.

Chelsea could have won it through the wasteful Alvaro Morata and the previously mentioned Zappacosta but Arsenal survive as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.

A win would have taken Chelsea back to second place as they stay in third spot with 46 points and a further 16 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

On the other hand, Arsenal (39 points) also missed the chance to leapfrog North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur (40 points) into fifth place and also close the gap on the top four.