Resilient 10-man Chelsea hold Arsenal to 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge

Resilient Chelsea have edged a 1-1 draw against Premier League leaders in a hard fought battle at Stanford Bridge.

Spain attacker, Mikel Merino salvaged a point for Gunners against 10-man Chelsea in a heavyweight title clash.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off in the 38th minute after deadly foul on Merino that caught the attacking midfielder on his ankle.

However, despite Caicedo’s dismissal, Chelsea were able to find the back of the net through Trevoh Chalobah’s header after Reece James’ corner in the 48th minute, giving the host a lead.

Meanwhile, Merino’s close-range header from Bukayo Saka’s cross in the 59th minute 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.

The Gunners remain the favourites to win their first Premier League crown since 2004, but Chelsea’s combative display suggested they could emerge as the biggest threat to the Gunners’ title aspirations.

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.

AFP