Danny Welbeck and Eddie Nketiah gave Arsenal a huge boost by firing late goals that dented two major rivals.
Arsenal weren’t in Premier League action on Saturday, but that didn’t stop former Gunners from having a big say in the title race. Danny Welbeck and Eddie Nketiah both struck late to punish Chelsea and Liverpool giving Mikel Arteta’s side a timely lift ahead of their own clash at St James’ Park.
Welbeck Downs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea had looked on course for three points against Brighton before the game flipped on its head. Trevoh Chalobah’s red card in the 53rd minute left the hosts exposed, and Brighton’s veteran striker Welbeck made them pay.
The ex-Arsenal man first powered home a brilliant header in the 77th minute before sealing the points deep into stoppage time with a composed left-footed finish. His double — either side of Maxim De Cuyper’s goal gave Brighton a dramatic 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge and ensured Chelsea stayed behind Arsenal in the table.
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Nketiah Breaks Liverpool Hearts
At Selhurst Park, it was another Hale End graduate who stole the headlines. Crystal Palace led Liverpool for much of the game thanks to Ismaïla Sarr’s opener, only to be pegged back by a Federico Chiesa equaliser that came with huge VAR controversy — Mohamed Salah appeared to handle the ball in the buildup, but the goal stood.
Just when Liverpool thought they’d rescued a point, Eddie Nketiah stepped up. Controlling a late cross, the striker volleyed home in the 97th minute to spark wild Palace celebrations and end Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season.
The result, covered by BBC Sport, means Arsenal’s rivals both dropped points on the same day — a golden opportunity for Arteta’s men to capitalise.
The AFTV Take
Welbeck and Nketiah might have moved on, but they did their old club a massive favour this weekend. Chelsea crumbled, Liverpool slipped, and Arsenal now have the chance to cash in when they travel to Newcastle on Sunday.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, even ex-Gunners still wear red in spirit. Now it’s up to Arsenal to make sure those late goals don’t go to waste.
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