Mikel Merino rescued Arsenal with a late equaliser as the Premier League leaders fought to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea in a bruising London derby at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off late in the first half for a reckless foul on Merino. Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea took the lead through Trevoh Chalobah’s second-half header, but Merino’s strike ensured Arsenal left unscathed from a tense and physical encounter between the title rivals.
Arsenal remain five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who defeated Newcastle on Saturday, and six points ahead of third-placed Chelsea. While Arsenal were left frustrated at missing the chance to further extend their lead, Chelsea will take solace in avoiding defeat.
The result reaffirmed Arsenal as favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004, though Chelsea’s combative performance underlined their potential as serious challengers. Arsenal are unbeaten in 17 games across all competitions, winning 14, while Chelsea have gone seven matches without defeat.
Both sides had tasted European success earlier in the week, with Chelsea thrashing Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League and Arsenal following up with a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich. The optimism from those results, however, gave way to a bitter and fiery contest at the Bridge.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s young side went toe-to-toe with Arsenal, who were without injured centre-back William Saliba. The first half was intense, marked by multiple fouls and bookings as both teams sought dominance.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi fouled Reece James, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella clattered into Bukayo Saka, Mosquera brought down Joao Pedro, and Riccardo Calafiori cynically tugged James. Saka nearly capitalised on Cucurella with a stinging strike that was saved by Robert Sanchez, and Enzo Fernandez tested David Raya with a low shot from distance.
The turning point came in the 38th minute when Caicedo’s foul on Merino was upgraded to a red card following VAR intervention, Chelsea’s sixth dismissal of the season. Shortly after, Hincapie elbowed Chalobah, prompting further protests from the home side.
Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 48th minute through Chalobah, who powered a near-post header from a Reece James corner, highlighting the Blues’ aerial threat. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responded with substitutions, bringing on Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke, both jeered by Chelsea fans due to their former club associations.
The changes paid off in the 59th minute when Merino rose to meet a precise cross from Saka, firing a close-range header past Sanchez to restore parity. It was Merino’s fourth goal of the season, continuing his role as a makeshift striker for Arsenal.
The remainder of the match saw a frantic Arsenal push, with Sanchez producing key saves to deny Saka and Merino, but neither side could find a winner.
The draw leaves Arsenal in control at the top but shows that Chelsea remain a formidable opponent in the title race.
AFP
