Chelsea went into the break against Arsenal locked together at 0-0 and a man down, but Enzo Maresca’s words to his players at half-time gave the Blues belief.
Arsenal were already seen by most as favourites for this tie, but Maresca’s men showed resilience to hold the league leaders to a draw — even with the odds stacked against them.
Trevoh Chalobah came up with the heroics early in the second half, giving Arsenal a taste of their own medicine with a beautifully executed corner.
But that only came after the break, during which Maresca did his best to instil belief in his side.
Chelsea captain Reece James in discussion with Enzo Maresca
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Trevoh Chalobah reveals what Enzo Maresca said at half-time
The role of a manager is to organise, but also to lead and inspire — something that grows in importance when the going gets tough.
Caicedo’s 38th-minute red card left Chelsea with plenty to do to get anything from this highly anticipated tie.
When the half-time whistle blew, it wasn’t looking great. But as any good coach does, Maresca galvanised his side with some inspirational words.
Who was your Man of the Match vs Arsenal?
Chalobah was interviewed for the Chelsea website in the fallout, where he recalls: “He just said it’s about togetherness. When we’re a man down we’ve got to be together and show that on the pitch. That is the time we need to stick together.”
“The boys did really well, an unbelievable performance a man down – the hard work, the running for each other, the communication, and every single ball we were first to it. That’s what it takes in moments like that.”
When Chelsea emerged from the dressing room for the second-half, you could see a difference in the players. They were ready for battle, and struck the first blow just three minutes later.
Proof of just how much influence a coach can have on the mentality of a team.
Chalobah waxes lyrical about Reece James after Arsenal masterclass
Chalobah’s proficiency in front of goal for Chelsea has been a very pleasant surprise.
It’s the second time his captain has found him with a quality delivery this season, doing so against Man United as well.
And the Chelsea centre-back wasn’t shy about praising James, saying: “It was a good delivery from Reece, we know how technically good he is, and it worked for us on Sunday.
“He was unbelievable all game. That’s why he’s our captain. Every single day he works and he leads by example. That was a captain’s performance and that’s what we’re going to need from everyone going forward.”
Reece James set to be benched for Leeds vs Chelsea
“The reality is no!” ð
Enzo Maresca says Reece James will be unable to face Leeds on Wednesday following his sensational performance against Arsenal ✨ pic.twitter.com/5Bxb9EEVKa
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 30, 2025
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Maresca hinted at resting James against Leeds, which is fair enough. The last thing Maresca wants is to overwork a player with a history of injuries.
But with Caicedo set to miss Chelsea’s next three Premier League matches, it’s not the last starring performance we will see from the captain in the middle of the park.