Chelsea made a statement of intent as they held Arsenal to a 1-1 Premier League draw, despite playing over half the game with 10 men.
There was a real derby feel right from the get-go, with both sides in no doubt of how pivotal this result could prove to be.
The game’s big moment came in the 38th minute, when Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was shown a Red card following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for a late tackle that connected with Merino’s shin – his side’s sixth red card of the season.
But 10-man Chelsea took the lead shortly after half-time when Trevoh Chalobah’s flicked header from a corner looped over David Raya and into the bottom corner.
The Gunners levelled 11 minutes later when Spain international Mikel Merino headed in Bukayo Saka’s in-swinging cross at the far post.
Armed with the momentum, the visitors pressed for another, but Chelsea held firm, even offering some attacking threat of their own.
Ultimately, the two London sides couldn’t be separated in an intriguing battle that could have significant ramifications come the end of the season.
The draw means Arsenal move five points clear of second-placed Manchester City while Chelsea are a further point back in third. The Gunners are also now unbeaten in 17 games in in all competitions, stretching back to 30 August.
