Chelsea were held to a draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal, and it was a hard-fought game in which the Blues were down in numbers. Moises Caicedo was sent off before half-time for a reckless challenge, leaving the referee with little choice but to show him a red card. It was a moment that came back to haunt Chelsea when they finally grabbed a point at Stamford Bridge.
The home side took the lead just minutes into the second half when Trevor Chalobah headed in from a corner kick. Arsenal hit back through Mikel Merino, who broke into the box and scored the equalizer from close range. Both teams held their breath in search of a late winner, but in the end they ended up splitting the spoils, which wasn’t a bad result for Chelsea considering their numerical disadvantage.
Express Sport rates and predicts Blues players following today’s stalemate…
Chelsea vs Arsenal player ratings
Robert Sanchez – 8
He made a big save early on to deny Bukayo Saka and then got off well to deny Gabriel Martinelli just before half-time. I couldn’t do much about the equalizer. He made another important stop towards the end.
Maro Gusto – 6
He played decently on the right flank, jumping forward and taking part in the attack while also helping out in defence.
Wesley Fofana – 5
Merino conceded a goal in the build-up to Arsenal’s equalizer. Everything else went well, but it was a crucial mistake that cost the team.
Trevor Chalobah – 7
He was left nursing Shiner due to a deviated elbow, but was able to continue working. In the end, he scored the opening goal with a pinpoint header that went into the net.
Marc Cucurella – 4
He was booked after a series of tough challenges in early trading. They struggled against Bukayo Saka and were unable to stop him in the build-up to Arsenal’s equalizer.
Reece James – 7
He had a solid game in the engine room, breaking up plays and using his width of passing to propel Chelsea forward. He scored the corner kick that led to the first goal.
Moises Caicedo – 3
We were lucky to avoid a booking after a few fouls in the first half. He ended up getting sent off for a stud-up challenge with Mikel Merino, during which he sustained an injury. Let himself and his teammates down.
Enzo Fernandes – 6
He was eager to put in some serious shifts and be in the thick of the action at both ends of the pitch. He was lucky to avoid punishment for an unnecessary shove on Cristian Mosquera before the break.
Pedro Neto – 6
They had a great opportunity to take the lead, but they were thwarted by a decisive block at the last moment. He worked hard to make things happen, but it didn’t have the impact he was hoping for.
Estevao – 6
He looked in good spirits from the first whistle and put the ball into orbit when he had a golden chance to break the deadlock. He created several chances before being substituted.
Joao Pedro – 6
He led the line well and often darted wide to draw his attacking teammates into play. In the second half, he was shocked and was unable to continue.
substitute
Liam Delap – 6
He was brought on to replace Pedro early in the second half. The goal was in sight, but the shot from distance was easily saved.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
He came on for Estevao and tried to turn things around, but he lacked the final product and his possession was wasted.
