Trevor Chalobah jubilates after scoring Chelsea's opener in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal
Mikel Merino scored the equaliser as Arsenal and ten-man Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw in their English Premier League (EPL) encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Gunners and Blues served up a feisty encounter that had several cards brandished, and Moises Caicedo was sent off for the hosts. Trevor Chalobah scored Chelsea’s goal before Merino levelled, as Arsenal are now unbeaten in seven visits to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal were not at their best in the early exchanges, and Chelsea produced the better openings, but Estevao Willian could not convert two good openings, while Bukayo Saka threatened at the other end.
The major talking point of the first half came in the 38th minute when Caicedo’s tackle connected with Merino’s shin. After a VAR review, the Ecuadorian midfielder was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
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However, it was Chelsea that went ahead three minutes into the second half, despite being a man down. Chalobah flicked a header into the net from Reece James’ cross.
The Gunners responded with the equaliser just before the hour mark, Saka the provider with the cross that Merino, their makeshift striker, converted.
Chelsea had the better chances to grab the winner with Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, and Wesley Fofana all going close, but Arsenal held on to preserve a 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
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Mikel Arteta’s side remains top of the EPL and is five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
In other matches, Alexander Isak scored his first league goal for Liverpool as the Reds defeated West Ham United 2-0 to end a run of three consecutive defeats. Cody Gakpo scored the clincher to ease the pressure on coach Arne Slot.
Manchester United also won, coming from a goal down to defeat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Joshua Zirkzee and Maso Mount the goalscorers for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ woeful season continued with a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa; Tolu Arokodare, Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, was an 88th-minute substitute for the Wolves, who have not won a match in 13 weeks and are rock bottom of the league.
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RESULTS
Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United
West Ham United 0-2 Liverpool
Aston Villa 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
