Chelsea show grit to hold Arsenal despite red card as Gunners extend unbeaten run

By Ade Ade

Chelsea produced a statement performance at Stamford Bridge, battling to a 1-1 draw against Arsenal despite playing more than half the match with 10 men. For Arsenal, the result ensured their unbeaten run stretched to 17 matches in all competitions (W14, D3), but they were made to work for it in a fiercely contested London derby.

The encounter carried the atmosphere and intensity of a clash with real implications for the Premier League title race. Chelsea entered the game buoyed by their midweek demolition of Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, while Arsenal were equally confident after brushing aside Bayern Munich. That momentum from both sides showed in a lively and aggressive opening half.

Bukayo Saka was the first to threaten, driving low toward goal only for Robert Sánchez to smother the effort from close range. Chelsea grew into the contest, and Enzo Fernández forced David Raya into action with a firm strike around the half-hour mark.

The tackles soon became sharper, with four yellow cards already shown before Moisés Caicedo crossed the line in the 38th minute, receiving a straight red for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino.

The sending-off, Chelsea’s sixth across all competitions this season, threatened to swing the match, but the hosts held firm until halftime. Sánchez denied Gabriel Martinelli with a sharp reaction save to keep the score level at the break.

Despite being a man down, Chelsea emerged from the interval with renewed purpose. A dangerous Reece James delivery found João Pedro, whose header was turned behind. From the ensuing corner, James picked out Trevoh Chalobah at the near post, and the defender glanced his header beyond Raya to give Enzo Maresca’s side the lead. It marked the eighth consecutive Premier League match in which Chelsea have struck first.

The Blues then attempted to tighten up defensively in search of a fourth straight clean sheet, but their resistance lasted only 11 minutes. Arsenal equalised through Merino, who made amends for being the target of Caicedo’s red-card challenge by meeting Saka’s pinpoint cross with a powerful header inside the hour.

With momentum on their side, the Gunners pushed for a winner, probing Chelsea’s compact setup. However, the hosts remained disciplined and continued to threaten sporadically, with substitute Viktor Gyökeres forcing Sánchez into another save before crashing into the goalkeeper in the aftermath of his effort.

In the end, neither side could find a decisive moment in a gripping tactical battle that could influence the league standings come May. Although Chelsea have now won just one of the last 12 Premier League meetings between the sides (D4, L7), this result will feel like a triumph of resolve given the numerical disadvantage.

Chelsea stay six points behind league leaders Arsenal, who now face increased pressure from Manchester City, five points off their pace.