The visitors almost snatched a stunning victory when Mathieu Flamini scored against the run of play in the 78th minute.

But a piece of magic from Michael Essien six minutes from time earned Chelsea a much-deserved victory.

The Blues came close from increasing their toll more than once, with Frank Lampard rattling the woodwork twice and Essien once.

Gilberto Silva also cleared off the goal line before an anticipating Didier Drogba.

In his first appearance against his old club, Ashley Cole ignited emotions that were already running high when he was handed a yellow card for a harsh challenge on Alexander Hleb.

Flamini, Drogba and Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann were also booked as tempers flared after the break.

The result left second-placed Chelsea with 38 points, eight adrift of leaders Manchester United while Arsenal, who still have one game in hand, are in sixth spot with 26 points.

Chelsea started in explosive style leaving Arsenal struggling on the defensive end despite a vocal and enthusiastic support from the Gunners' fans.

England midfielder Lampard looked nervous through out the game and engaged twice with Arsenal right-back Emmanuel Eboue.

But Lampard could have opened the score line before the break when his left-footed shot from inside the area floated past Lehmann but cannoned off the post.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho threw Shaun Wright-Phillips and Arjen Robben midway through the second-half, replacing Andriy Shevchenko and Geremi in a bid to break the deadlock.

But it was Arsenal who took the lead when Frenchman Flamini exchanged the ball with Hleb before firing a shot that Hilario's touch couldn't palm it away.

Shortly after, Essien brought Chelsea level with an electric shot from far range.

The Ghana midfielder connected with a low pass to drill an amazing effort that looked wide for a second but stunningly curled into the side netting past the stretched Lehmann.

Yet, he failed to find the net from almost three meters when the ball fell into his path with Lehmann stranded and, with the goal at his mercy, he fired against the cross bar.

Just before the final whistle, Lampard scuffed the ball inside the box after Lehmann failed to hold on to a Robben low shot.

He span and sent the ball towards the net but to the fans astonishment, it was denied by the post.