Chelsea held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, overcoming the first-half dismissal of Moises Caicedo to secure a hard-earned point.
Arsenal, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table, were left frustrated after Caicedo was sent off just before halftime for a studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino.
After a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor upgraded the initial yellow card to red, leaving Chelsea to play the majority of the match with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Chelsea began the second half strongly. Reece James’ precise corner found Trevoh Chalobah, who headed the Blues into the lead in the 48th minute.
Arsenal responded swiftly, however, with Bukayo Saka beating Marc Cucurella and delivering a cross for Merino to level the score. The Spaniard now has seven of his ten Premier League goals scored with his head.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was pivotal late in the game, diving to deny Merino a second goal in the 88th minute and ensuring the hosts secured a point.
The draw marked Chelsea’s third consecutive home stalemate against Arsenal and highlighted the Blues’ defensive resilience, with the Gunners managing only eight shots. This result also ended Arsenal’s streak of winning games.
