**Mikel Merino**reflected on being at the centre of the action for **Arsenal**in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The Spaniard stayed as the makeshift striker for the side as Viktor Gyokeres was only deemed fit enough to start the derby on the bench. He dropped into midfield and was on the receiving end of a racking, late tackle from **Moises Caicedo**that saw the Ecuadorian get a red card as the Blues went down to ten men. But the hosts rallied, taking the lead through a header from Trevoh Chalobah.
Merino then equalised with another headed effort, but he was frustrated at full time as the Gunners failed to make the statement they wanted now that **Man City**have cut their lead at the top of the table.
"On one hand, disappointed because we didn't win. When you wear this shirt, you want to win every game. This is a really tough stadium to come and take a point. We could have done things better but the team showed good mentality.
"Maybe managing the game better and understanding what they were trying to do. With 10 men, we could have had more patience with the ball. Trying to find the wings and cross with players in the box. Obviously, they are a good side.
"I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body. I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card.
"[Crosses] is something we train every day and try to position ourselves on the blind side of the defenders. When you train with each other every day, you know your strengths and weaknesses.
*"This is the Premier League. It's very strong and it's why you see so many transitions. If you win a duel, then you can attack the box."*