In a fiery London derby, Premier League leaders Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea fought hard despite being reduced to ten men after Moises Caicedo’s 38th-minute red card for a studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino.
Chelsea dominated early, with Reece James and Caicedo controlling midfield, and Estevao impressing. After the sending off, Chelsea refused to sit deep and pressed forward.
James delivered a dangerous corner that Trevoh Chalobah headed home in the 48th minute to give Chelsea the lead.
Arsenal responded with substitutions, bringing on Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard, which shifted momentum. Bukayo Saka’s skillful run set up Merino to equalize with a close-range header.
Chelsea then defended resolutely, withstanding Arsenal’s late pressure to secure a draw.
Man of the match Reece James told broadcasters, “It is obviously disappointing to only come out with one point... but today was a big statement. You could see we wanted the win. There are a lot of positives to take from this result.”
On the match’s intensity, James added, “With six yellows for Arsenal and one for us, I thought there might be another red. Well, ah, it’s a London derby.”
