Mikel Merino came to Arsenal’s rescue as the Premier League leaders battled to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea in a fiery London derby on Sunday.
Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo received a red card for a reckless tackle on Merino late in the first half at Stamford Bridge. Despite going down to 10 men, Chelsea took the lead early in the second half through a header from Trevoh Chalobah. But Merino struck back to ensure Arsenal escaped with a point from a bruising clash between the title contenders.
Arsenal remain five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who beat Newcastle on Saturday, and sit six points clear of third-placed Chelsea.
After a relentless, high-intensity encounter, Arsenal were left disappointed not to widen their lead in the title race, while Chelsea were relieved to avoid a costly defeat.
Arsenal still look like favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004, but Chelsea’s aggressive display showed they could be the Gunners’ biggest challengers.
Arsenal are now unbeaten in 17 matches in all competitions, winning 14 of them, while Chelsea have gone seven games without defeat.
Chelsea’s 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona on Tuesday and Arsenal’s 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich the following day were quickly overshadowed as tensions flared at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had downplayed his young squad’s title hopes, but his side matched Arsenal stride for stride, even with William Saliba missing for the visitors through injury.
A fierce first half saw a flurry of yellow cards as both teams tried to gain control.
Martin Zubimendi dragged down Reece James, Marc Cucurella clattered into Bukayo Saka, Mosquera flattened Joao Pedro, and Riccardo Calafiori pulled back James.
Saka nearly delivered instant payback when he forced Robert Sanchez into a sharp save at the near post with a powerful effort.
