Arsenal moved to second place in the standings last night, ahead of Manchester City on a better goals difference after beat London rivals Chelsea 3-1 in an entertaining derby at The Emirates Stadium.

The victory moved them to within two points of league leaders Manchester United, but the latter have a game in hand and could still increase their lead at the top.

Chelsea remained on 31 points, six behind Manchester United and four behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

Frank Lampard was returning to the Chelsea side after a long-term injury but the side again failed to impress as Arsenal took command after a shaky start.

The Gunners almost took the lead on 38 minutes when Cech had to turn to corner a fine effort from Nasri, but Song put them ahead a minute from the interval.

It became 2-0 on 50 minutes when Walcott set Fabregas who made no mistake with an open goal at his mercy. Soon after, it was Walcott, set by Fabregas, to put Arsenal 3-0 ahead.

Chelsea pulled one back on the 57th minute when from a Drogba freekick, it was Ivanovic who anticipated the Arsenal defence to head the ball home.

Arsenal missed a good chance to definitely close the issue on 68 minutes when Nasri tried to lob the ball over Cech, but the Czech goalie saved to keep his side in contention.

On the 80th minute, Diaby should have scored for Arsenal, but hesitated when in front of Cech and eventually lost the ball to an opponent.

Kalou found the net near the end, but the goal was annulled as he was rightly ruled offside.