Chelsea were the happier of the two Premier League giants at Stamford Bridge when the full-time whistle blew on their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Trevoh Chalobah’s goal was cancelled out by Mikel Merino in the second half, but the Blues will be delighted after going down to 10 men before the break.
Moises Caicedo is set for a three-game suspension after his reckless challenge on Merino, however it didn’t take away from how well Chelsea played.
Who was your Man of the Match vs Arsenal?
The result saw Arsenal keep their six point lead over the Blues in the league, however not pull away in the race for the Premier League title.
John Terry attends Chelsea U21 v Manchester City U21 in the Premier League 2.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
John Terry says Chelsea can compete with any Premier League side
This was the main positive for club legend John Terry, who believes the Blues have now shown that they can compete with anyone in the league, even with 10 men.
He said on his TikTok: “Overall I’m delighted and we rest up and keep going. We have to be delighted with that today because Arsenal have been rolling teams over week after week so far. Hence why they’re top of the league.
“But they don’t get any further away from us in this title race so far. I think today, we’ve shown we can compete with the very best in the league and give everyone a run for their money.”
It is not long before the Blues are back in action, with another old enemy in the form of Leeds United on Wednesday night.
Chelsea players celebrate goal against Arsenal
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Changes expected for Leeds vs Chelsea
Maresca will already know he will need to replace Caicedo in his starting side, however there are going to be more changes with the quick turnaround.
Reece James will miss out on a start after starring against Arsenal, likely opening the door for Andrey Santos to start against Leeds.
There will be hope that Cole Palmer is able to return to the starting side next time out. He was in the matchday squad for the first time since September.
Maresca will have wanted to use his star man, but probably made the right call holding him back after the Blues went down to 10 men.