30.11.2025
Mikel Merino rescued Arsenal as the Premier League leaders battled to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea in a bad-tempered London derby Sunday.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off for a crude foul on Merino late in the first half at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Caicedo’s dismissal, Trevoh Chalobah headed Chelsea into a second half lead, but Merino’s leveller ensured Arsenal emerged unscathed from a bruising encounter between the title rivals.
Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who beat Newcastle on Saturday, and sit six points above third-placed Chelsea.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions, winning 14 of those matches, while Chelsea have gone seven matches without losing in all competitions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports said: “A really tough one. Two teams that play with a lot of intensity and aggression, you could sense it in every tackle. The game settled and after the red card, we needed to settle and make the judgement but we conceded a foul and a goal. Two top teams fighting for the Premier League so it’s normal.” AFP
