Arsenal came crashing down after a week spent seemingly on Cloud Nine.
The Gunners had been riding high, sitting atop both the Premier League and Champions League tables following a dominant home victory over Bayern Munich. But that momentum proved fleeting against Chelsea on Sunday.
The slick, fluid passing that Arsenal fans had grown accustomed to in recent weeks was quickly stifled in the opening exchanges. From the very first whistle, it was a fiery contest, with Chelsea battling and brawling for every ball.
Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
Arsenal had to dig deep against the 10 men (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca's side, no strangers to red cards this season, rattled Arsenal early - and dragged them down to their level, refusing to let Arteta's men get an upper hand at any moment.
Chelsea walked the line of the law - Moises Caicedo even crossed it with a horrendous challenge that Peter Drury admitted he "couldn't watch without wincing".
This was a proper Premier League derby, challenges were flying in and arguments were had as Arteta failed to calm his team down - the Gunners were playing with their emotions rather than their feet.
Chelsea broke the deadlock
Chelsea broke the deadlock (Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea took the lead through Trevoh Chalobah - exposing Arsenal from a Reece James corner. However, the Gunners hit back from a Mikel Merino header.
Arsenal huffed and puffed, with the man advantage, but the Chelsea defence helm firm to earn a point.
Speaking after the game, James said: "Disappointing to come away with only one point. We went down to 10 men pretty early in the game and that made it more difficult.
Moises Caicedo was sent off for his challenge on Mikel Merino
Moises Caicedo was sent off for his challenge on Mikel Merino
"I think everyone can see where we are and what we are fighting for. I think today was a big statement.
"Even though we wanted to win, there are lots of positives to take.
"We worked hard, there is a lot of analysis and hard work from the staff that sets us up in the right way and makes us play in the right way that he thinks will hurt them."