Chelsea showed their interest in this season’s league title by forcing Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Stamford Bridge despite receiving a red card caution in the first half. Notwithstanding, the scoreline at the end of the game means Arsenal walk away with their unbeaten run rising up to 17 games in all competitions – 14 wins and 3 draws.
Match Overview
There was much uncertainty on both sides of how today’s fixture will end, and how pivotal this result could be. Chelsea went into this fixture with great confidence stemming from their victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, while Arsenal matched their confidence having dispatched Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League as well. The first half was thrilling and drama packed with both sides pushing to take the lead. Bukayo Saka made the first move on goal with a low drive from close range that was foiled by Robert Sanchez. The Blues then began pushing to ascertain dominance as Enzo Fernández forced David Rays to make a save at the half hour mark.
The game saw four yellow cards before Moises Caicedo received a straight red for a clumsy challenge on Mikel Merino in the 38th minute. However, this did not derail the Blues who held their ground until the halftime whistle.
Chelsea, have now received six red cards across all competitions this season and we’re likely to be content with a point against Arsenal, but looked unperturbed by the deficiency in numbers as they took control of the the game.
At the restart of play, Reece James’ set-piece delivery fell on to the path of João Pedro whose header was redirected away from goal for a corner, with resultant corner delivery being directed in at the near post by Trevoh Chalobah following James’ cross.
The hosts then restricted the Gunners who surged on for an equalizer. Unfortunately, the Blues’ lead lasted for 11 minutes before Mikel Merino powered home a deadly cross from Saka before the hour mark. Now with momentum, the Gunners pressed for a second but the Blues remained resilient in denying them the lead, and even came close to taking the lead themselves.
Ultimately the two sides couldn’t find the goal to separate them and the battle came to an end in stalemate. This draw will feel like a win for the Blues who have won just one of their last 12 Premier League head-to-heads against Arsenal – 4 draws and 7 loses. Chelsea will remain sixth points behind league’s leaders Arsenal.
Upcoming Fixtures
Chelsea FC:
Leeds vs Chelsea – 3 December 21:15
Bournemouth vs Chelsea – 6 December 16:00
Arsenal FC:
Arsenal vs Brentford – 3 December 20:30
Aston Villa vs Arsenal – 6 December 13:30
