On top: Bukayo Saka got the better of Marc Cucurella as Arsenal drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal Football Newsletter
The Blues, who went down to 10 men in the first half after Moises Caicedo was sent off, took the lead through Trevoh Chalobah.
Arsenal, however, were back on level terms in just over 10 minutes after Merino turned home Saka’s cross.
The point means that the Gunners are now five clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Arsenal players...
David Raya 6
Made a couple of good saves to keep out efforts from Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Beaten by a great header.
Jurrien Timber 7
The only one of Arsenal’s back four that managed to avoid a booking. Solid as always.
Cristhian Mosquera 6
Handed a start in the absence of William Saliba, who picked up a knock in training. Grew into the game.
Piero Hincapie 6
Emerging as the main contender to start with Gabriel out injured. Seemed to relish the passion of the derby.
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Riccardo Calafiori 5
Hooked at the break as he was one of those on a yellow card for a cheap shirt pull on Reece James.
Eberechi Eze 6
Came into this match in red-hot form, but had a quiet game. The odd nice moment, but could not really influence things.
Martin Zubimendi 6
Booked inside the opening five minutes, which impacted his ability to break up the play. Substituted after Arsenal went behind.
Declan Rice 7
All the talk going into this game was about Rice vs Caicedo, but James was his biggest competitor. A proper battle between the England stars.
As always, he had a lively battle with Marc Cucurella. Came out on top by providing the cross for Merino’s goal.
Mikel Merino 7
Another match where he excelled as an emergency option up front. Headed home Saka’s cross and was denied a late winner by a smart save from Robert Sanchez
Gabriel Martinelli 5
Had a good effort saved by Sanchez just before the break. Couldn't really get into the game, though, and was taken off before the hour mark.
Subs
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 46’) 5
On earlier than expected. Looks like a player lacking sharpness and in need of more minutes.
Noni Madueke (Martinelli 57’) 6
Roundly booed as he returned to his old club. A few lively runs, but did not haunt them.
Martin Odegaard (Zubimendi 57’) 6
Tried to give Arsenal some more creativity as they chased the game. Still getting up to match fitness.
Viktor Gyokeres (Eze 72’) 6
His first minutes since returning from a hamstring injury. Close to bundling home a late winner.
Subs not used: Kepa, White, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Jesus.