Eden Hazard of Chelsea scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2014 © Getty Images

Alexis Sanchez was keen to make an early impression on the game as he sent a speculative 30-yard effort towards goal, but it flew harmlessly wide of Thibaut Courtois's right-hand post.

Sanchez then collided with the Chelsea stopper, which led to lengthy treatment for Courtois, who initially continued before making way for Petr Cech.

Tempers flared after Gary Cahill was shown a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Sanchez, which prompted a touchline scuffle between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger.

Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) and Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (L) are kept apart by the fourth official Jonathan Moss during the English Premier League match on October 5, 2014 © Getty Images

Calum Chambers then picked up his fifth booking of the season for a clumsy challenge on Hazard, and the Belgian winger showed his fancy footwork a few moments later as he waltzed through the Arsenal backline before being hacked down by Laurent Koscielny inside the box.

The 23-year-old dusted himself down to arrogantly send Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way from the spot and hand his side the lead.

Jack Wilshere had the opportunity to fire his side level immediately, but as he broke into the box his first touch was too heavy and Cech smothered the ball.

Tackles continued to fly in as half time approached with Chelsea clinging on to their lead.