Chelsea vs Arsenal at Stamford Bridge threw up a vintage London derby where the Blues held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw.
Enzo Maresca will certainly be the happier of the two managers after his side were reduced to 10 men in the first half following Moises Caicedo’s red card.
Daniel Sturridge believed Caicedo’s sending off was harsh, however there was very little sympathy for the Ecuador international following his full-blooded challenge on Mikel Merino.
Who was your Man of the Match vs Arsenal?
The official who was in charge of the game was Anthony Taylor, someone who Chelsea fans have had plenty of negative history with.
Chelsea staff fuming at Anthony Taylor after Piero Hincapie wasn’t sent off
It seems that Blues staff were not impressed that the sides weren’t level in players at half-time, however not because they believed Caicedo should have remained on the pitch.
Journalist Henry Winter stated on X that Chelsea were not happy that Piero Hincapie remained on the pitch after a clash with goalscorer Trevoh Chalobah just before half-time.
He said: “Anthony Taylor getting grief from Chelsea fans. Some boos from fans as he walks off at the break. A few disgruntled Chelsea players nearby, being shepherded away.
“English football’s most experienced ref was actually lenient initially on Caicedo, giving a yellow for a filthy challenge on Merino, then ruled ‘a red card for serious foul play’ after VAR review.
“Taylor’s given 1 yellow to Chelsea, and 4 yellows to Arsenal. Only real controversy: Chelsea angry VAR didn’t look at (or recommend review) of Hincapie’s high arm on Chalobah that cut defender’s face (punished with yellow).”
Hincapie remained on the pitch, and Mikel Arteta thinks Chelsea tried to get an Arsenal player sent off after going down to 10 men, however were unsuccessful.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Premier League
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Chelsea must solve Caicedo headache
Chelsea will be without Caicedo for three games due to ‘serious foul play’, however he will be able to feature in the Champions League against Atalanta.
The midfielder has started all but one Premier League games for the Blues this season, and he has become arguably the most important player the club have in their ranks.
Maresca will know that Reece James cannot carry that responsibility out with games coming in quick succession, and is likely to turn to Andrey Santos for some more regular minutes.
Romeo Lavia would have been a great option for the manager to have available to him, however is currently sidelined due to injury.