Chelsea managed to draw 1-1 with league leaders Arsenal, even though they played most of the match with only 10 players. The game at Stamford Bridge was full of drama and strong challenges.
Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half after VAR changed his yellow card to a red for a dangerous tackle on Mikel Merino. This made him the fourth Chelsea player to be sent off this season.
Even with one player less, Chelsea took the lead right after half-time. Trevoh Chalobah scored with a sharp header at the near post from Reece James’ corner, surprising Arsenal.
Arsenal equalised when Bukayo Saka created space on the right side and crossed the ball perfectly for Mikel Merino, who headed it into the corner.
With more than 30 minutes left and Chelsea down to 10 men, Arsenal were expected to push for a winner. But they found it hard to break Chelsea’s strong defence. Their best chance came from Merino again, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made a good save.
Arsenal were also missing their main centre-backs, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, for only the second time in 162 league games. They also received six yellow cards in a heated first half.
In the end, Chelsea defended well and held on for an important draw.