Patrick Vieira: Arsenal showed championship mentality against Chelsea

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has lauded the Gunners for doing exactly what was required in a tense 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates, underlining the importance of securing points in matches that can define a title race.

The result extended Arsenal’s lead atop the Premier League to five points, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber providing the decisive goals.

Chelsea’s brief response came through a Piero Hincapie own goal, but their hopes were curtailed when Pedro Neto was shown a straight red for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli, leaving the visitors to battle with ten men.

The former France international, who was born in Senegal, emphasized the significance of winning even when the performance isn’t perfect.

Vieira also pointed to the looming clash with Manchester City as a potential turning point in the season.

“These are key games that you have to win and it doesn’t matter if you play good or bad and today was one of those games for Arsenal,” Vieira said after the game.

“I think the key moment in this season is going to be when Arsenal and Man City play, because after that fixture I don’t see either team losing.”