Arsenal dropped points on the road for the second straight Premier League game, drawing 1–1 with an undermanned Chelsea.
A wrench was thrown into Arsenal’s plans before kick-off with William Saliba ruled out with a knock adding to their injury concerns. Cristhian Mosquera partnered Piero Hincapié in defence, while Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus were both back in the matchday squad.
It was a physical London derby between two sides riding momentum from recent European successes. A Moisés Caicedo red card in the first half handed Arsenal the initiative to pick up three points, though the Blues refused to go quietly.
Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring in the second half before Mikel Merino pulled one back for the visitors. For all their possession against the Blues, the Gunners failed to make the most of their opportunity. Stamford Bridge continues to prove trouble for Mikel Arteta, who has now drawn his last three trips to Chelsea.
Arsenal lie five points clear following Manchester City’s win at the weekend as a chaotic December period approaches.
