Chelsea vs. Arsenal: Score, Grades and Reaction from London Derby

Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas returned to haunt Arsenal with a commanding display and a sublime assist to leave Chelsea as the only unbeaten team in the Premier League this season.

Jose Mourinho's team were already leading the Gunners after Eden Hazard's first-half penalty, but it was the former Gunner who put an end to any hopes of an Arsenal comeback with a sublime long ball for Diego Costa to add the second of the afternoon.

Arsenal had been the only other unbeaten top-flight side before the game, but their record was ended at Stamford Bridge.

The only blemish in the win for Chelsea was a head injury to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the first half which saw the Belgium international replaced by Petr Cech before going to hospital as a precautionary measure.

The continuing rivalry between Mourinho and Arsene Wenger also reared its head in a testy first half which saw the Arsenal boss shove his counterpart following a poor challenge by Gary Cahill on Alexis Sanchez.

But the result opened up a five-point gap for Chelsea over second-placed Manchester City, with Arsenal nine points behind the leaders.

Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois needed early treatment after a collision with Sanchez in a quiet opening 10 minutes to the game. But it was at least a better trip for Arsenal than their last appearance at Stamford Bridge.

In the 20th minute, Cahill went in strongly on Sanchez, prompting a touchline row between Wenger and Mourinho in which the Gunners boss shoved his longtime adversary. The referee spoke with both managers, while Cahill was fortunate to receive only a yellow card.

On a more serious level, Courtois was still hurting from the earlier collision, and midway through the first period he was replaced by Cech and taken to hospital.

In the 27th minute, Hazard showed a wonderful turn of pace to bewilder the Gunners before being brought down by Laurent Koscielny. The Belgian stepped up to the spot and slid the spot-kick home, and the Arsenal defender could count himself lucky to still be on the field.

Arsenal were almost back in the game moments later, but Cech was off his line swiftly to deny Jack Wilshere.

Koscielny and Oscar both received treatment in the 39th minute after a clash of heads, but both players were able to continue.

Diego Costa forced his way into the Arsenal area as half-time approached, but the Gunners defence quickly closed him down.

As the game continued, tensions were reportedly rising on the sidelines:

"

Steve Bould now engaging in some rather colourful repartee with the Chelsea bench. Tunnel might be a lively place at half time

— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) October 5, 2014"

Calum Chambers had already been cautioned when he brought down Andre Schurrle. The home crowd called for a red card, but the match official awarded a free-kick and took no action against the defender.

Santi Cazorla flashed a shot just wide of Cech's goal five minutes after the interval for the first threat of the second period. Moments later, Branislav Ivanovic was cautioned for a foul on the midfielder.

Hazard again raced down the left flank in the 57th minute before sending a low cross into the area. Mathieu Flamini attempted to clear but needed Wojciech Szczesny to push the ball away to spare his embarrassment.

Wilshere and Arsenal were looking for a penalty in the 64th minute when Fabregas appeared to handle a strike from the England international inside the area, but no spot-kick was awarded.

Wenger surprisingly replaced Cazorla with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 69th minute, while the ineffective Mesut Ozil remained on the field.

Mourinho made a change of his own at the same time with John Obi Mikel coming on for Schurrle.

Costa was having a relatively quiet game but held the ball up brilliantly to allow Hazard to join him in a 76th-minute attack, but the Belgian fired over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, the former Atletico Madrid striker did what he does best for Chelsea. A superb long ball from Fabregas dropped at the feet of the forward, who moved forward with the ball before sending it over Szczesny's head.

Costa even managed to miss a further injury-time opportunity from almost under the Arsenal crossbar but was adjudged to be offside, sparing his blushes.

There was no handshake between Mourinho and Wenger at the end of the game, but the satisfying outcome will belong solely to the Chelsea boss, while his counterpart will wonder about his decision to reject the chance to re-sign Fabregas in the summer.

Selected player ratings

Eden Hazard: A

Showed some sublime skills to earn Chelsea their first-half penalty before picking himself up to slot the spot-kick home with precision.

Cesc Fabregas: A+

The former Arsenal man had been the focus of the pre-match buildup, but it clearly didn't affect him as he produced another imperious display. Arsenal fans will have left shaking their heads. His long pass for Diego Costa's goal was simply divine.

Mesut Ozil: B-

Once more largely anonymous in the first period. The form of the Germany international must leave questions for Arsene Wenger.

Petr Cech: A

Unexpected return to the first team due to Thibaut Courtois' injury, but performed well in the first period.

What's Ahead

Chelsea and Arsenal will now take a break from Premier League action due to international matches. The Blues travel to Crystal Palace for their next game on Oct. 18. The Gunners are next in action with the visit of Hull City on the same day.

Post-Match Reaction