Chelsea were not able to beat Arsenal over the weekend, but they will still be happy with their display.
The Blues went down to 10 men in the first half after Moises Caicedo’s sending off; however, they managed to take the lead and eventually hold on for a point following Mikel Merino’s equaliser.
Chelsea defended well against Arsenal, so their backline may not cause them any problems in any potential title race this season.
The big moment of the first half…
Was this a red card?
However, there is one worry that former Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James has had since October.
David James during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Chelsea’s ill-discipline has been David James’ only concern this season
Following Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool earlier in the campaign, James backed the Club World Cup winners to challenge for the Premier League title.
However, he felt that Enzo Maresca’s side could only do it if they stopped getting players sent off.
As James discussed Chelsea’s title chances, he said: “I think they are genuine title contenders if they keep themselves on the pitch.”
Can Chelsea win the Premier League title this season?
Frustratingly for Chelsea supporters, they have not stopped doing that, with Caicedo the latest name to be shown a red card.
Once again, then, Chelsea’s ill-discipline was there for everyone to see during their 1-1 draw with London rivals Arsenal.
Reece James of Chelsea complains to Referee Anthony Taylor
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Chelsea’s disciplinary record following Moises Caicedo red card
Caicedo’s red card in Sunday’s London derby was Chelsea’s seventh of the season, including the one Enzo Maresca received at home to Liverpool.
As per WhoScored, they have also picked up 42 yellow cards across all competitions, which is simply way too many at this stage of the campaign.
Before the season started, many thought that Chelsea’s defence and inexperience would hinder them.
Inexperience and ill-discipline perhaps go hand in hand. Whatever the case, Chelsea are throwing away matches with all these red cards that they are receiving, which really could cost them later in the season.
Who knows where they would be had Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah and Robert Sanchez not been sent off this term? In the games where Chelsea lost those players, they dropped points.