Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient 10-man Chelsea in a Premier League match marked by a controversial VAR decision and late drama.The result leaves Arsenal trailing league leaders Liverpool,while Chelsea continue their mid-table consolidation under manager Enzo Maresca.
The match’s defining moment arrived when Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo was shown a red card following a VAR review for a challenge in the first half. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the game, Chelsea took the lead shortly after the restart through a header from Trevoh Chalobah, capitalizing on a James free-kick and subsequent corner. arsenal responded with an equalizer from a well-placed delivery by Bukayo Saka, met by Merino’s head.
Prior to Caicedo’s dismissal, an incident involving Enzo Fernández and Chelsea’s Mosquera saw the latter needing treatment as players headed to the tunnel at halftime. Arsenal had earlier opportunities with Saka going close in the 12th minute following a pass from Eberechi Eze, and Gabriel Martinelli testing the Chelsea goalkeeper, Sánchez, before the break.Chelsea’s Maresca opted to maintain an attacking shape even after the red card, relying heavily on the performance of captain Reece James, who was described as a “remorselessly driving presence” and delivered “passing of the highest order.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta introduced Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke before Merino’s equalizer,later adding Gyökeres,and shifted Declan Rice to a deeper midfield role as thay pushed for a winner. despite dominating possession and creating further chances, Arsenal were unable to secure all three points, with James expressing Chelsea’s disappointment with the draw.
