Chelsea keep it tight at the top of the table with a point against Arsenal.placeholder image
Chelsea keep it tight at the top of the table with a point against Arsenal. | Getty Images
Arsenal remain top of the table but drop points against a determined Chelsea outfit under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
It was a feisty affair between the London rivals, which resulted in Blues midfield linchpin Moises Caicedo being sent for an early shower after lunging in studs-up on Arsenal man Mikel Merino. Mikel Arteta’s side will have fancied their chances at extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table against the 10-men Blues but it was no easy task.
Enzo Maresca’s side bagged a vital goal early in the second half thanks to a confident Trevoh Chalobah header before the visitors levelled from the head of Mikel Merino. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.
Chelsea player ratings
GK - Robert Sanchez, 8
Collected well at times and, on the whole, his distribution was good - which is not always the case. Largely proactive in trying to release Chelsea players on the break in the second half having gone down to 10 men. Made a brave double save in the dying minutes, taking a clobbering in the process.
LB - Marc Cucurella, 6
Had his work cut out against Bukayo Saka but did about as well as could be done against the England international - the one time Saka did get past, it resulted in the assist for the goal. Shown a yellow early on and was walking a tightrope after that. Perhaps lucky not to be shown a second booking for dissent.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah, 8
Commanding at the heart of defence and strong in his leap to meet the corner and head in. That goal came at a vital time for the Blues as they prepared to go backs-against-the-wall against the 11 men of Arsenal. Could be neater, or just less ambitious, in his passing at times.
CB - Wesley Fofana, 7
Another strong showing at the heart of defence. Carried the ball forwards well at moments in a steely performance.
RB - Malo Gusto, 8
Has fast become one of the underrated stars in this Chelsea team. Offers so much across the pitch and neat in what he does, avoiding any of the silly bookings picked up by many others on the pitch.
CM - Reece James, 9
Phenomenal. This was Reece James at his very best. Moving into a defensive midfield position, the captain was here, there and everywhere. A calming presence and constantly vocal to organise his side. Without him, fraying Blues tempers may have been out of control.
Moises Caicedo sees red for horror Mikel Merino tackle
CM - Moises Caicedo, 3
You can’t be making challenges like that and not expect to be sent off with VAR watching like a hawk. Made Sunday evening a lot more difficult for his teammates and will be a huge miss in upcoming clashes.
LW - Pedro Neto, 7
Took a while to get going today, one section of fans demanding ‘energy’ when he came to take a throw. Livelier after the break with one gut-busting run getting Tosin Adarabioyo off his seat and applauding.
CAM - Enzo Fernandez, 8
Really, really up for it today. Enzo turned in a performance full of passion and his never-say-die attitude is infectious. Smashed the ball off Noni Madueke’s feet late on and celebrated the tackle as if it were a goal. That said, a slightly calmer head at times may not have gone amiss.
RW - Willian Estevao, 5
The hero against Barcelona in midweek but kept very quiet by Arsenal. Had one decent chance on the edge of the box in the first half but put it well over the bar.
ST - Joao Pedro, 5
Started brightly and was regularly seen geeing up the Chelsea faithful to boost the Stamford Bridge atmosphere. Caused problems with his running but lacked a goal threat.
SUB - Liam Delap, 6
Injected some extra physicality with decent hold-up play, doing so better than Pedro, and flashed a few half-chances at goal.
SUB - Alejandro Garnacho, 4
It felt as if Garnacho’s pace could make the difference for Chelsea but his cameo from the bench was somewhat anonymous on the right flank - although that is also credit to Jurrien Timber, who had a great game.
In other news, The impressive bargain duo Chelsea can sign in January to beat Arsenal to Premier League title.
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