Chelsea delivered a spirited performance to hold Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw on Sunday, after midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half, at Stamford Bridge in London, England.
The match started with challenges and tackles flying from both sides as the historic rivalry between both clubs set the stage for a fierce encounter. Caicedo was then sent off in the 38th minute after a VAR check for landing a dangerous tackle on Mikel Merino’s ankle.
However, Chelsea seemed determined to push on after the set-back and were rewarded for their bravery in the second half.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah flicked a header into the net from a pinpoint corner by captain Reece James three minutes after the break, sending the fans at Stamford Bridge into a frenzy.
The highly entertaining match then took another turn as the Gunners looked for a response, a goal down, yet with a man advantage.
Arsenal replied when Merino rose to meet a brilliant cross from Bukayo Saka in the 59th minute to equalise.
Both sides created chances for the rest of the match, but couldn’t find the net as the match finished 1-1. A thrilling Premier League battle.
Arsenal sit five points clear at the top of the table on 30 points ahead of Manchester City, who beat Leeds United 3-2 on Saturday, with Chelsea third on 24.
“A really tough one,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said in an interview. “Two teams that play with a lot of intensity and aggression, you could sense it in every tackle.
“Two top teams fighting for the Premier League so it’s normal. We scored a brilliant goal. We had two or three big chances.”
Sunday’s Premier League results
Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United
Aston Villa 1-0 Wolverhampton wanderers
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brighton
West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal.
