Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2: Di Matteo pleased with ‘excellent’ performance

Roberto Di Matteo hailed Chelsea’s “excellent” performance after the Blues became the first side to beat Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres gave the visitors a first-half lead after Laurent Koscielny’s poor defending allowed the 28-year-old to net a 20th-minute opener.

Arsène Wenger’s men did manage to respond in an impressive spell just before half-time, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross met by Gervinho, who guided his finish past Petr Cech.

However, Chelsea ensured they remained on top of the Premier League table in the 52nd minute, when Juan Mata’s free-kick deceived the Arsenal defence and crept into Vito Mannone’s net.

“It was a big challenge to play against a quality side like Arsenal,” Di Matteo told BBC Sport.

“We are very pleased, we were excellent today and deserved the win.

“Fernando Torres was excellent, his contribution was very good. It was right to pick John Terry, he showed his leadership again today.

“We pressed Arsenal and didn’t allow them to find their rhythm.

“We have one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that is why he is with us. He made two saves.

“We didn’t just come and sit back we took the initiative and took the game forward. We have a few knocks and bruises but we will assess them all before the Champions League game.”

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Read more on: Arsenal, Arsène Wenger, Chelsea, Fernando Torres, john terry, petr cech, Premier League, roberto di matteo.