Pedro Neto’s strike cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener as Arsenal were held to a tense 1-1 draw at Chelsea, leaving both sides nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca’s side were boosted by the news Cole Palmer was fit to start and the England international was straight into the action. However, his strike from 25 yards was brilliantly tipped over by David Raya
The home side were creating the better chances. Noni Madueke glanced a header wide at the far post before Malo Gusto missed the best opportunity of the half. Pedro Neto’s cross picked out the full-back but he could only plant his header over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.
Arsenal, who had Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice back in the starting XI, grew into the half and Martinelli’s shot was kept out by Robert Sanchez, before the Gunners thought they had the lead.
Chelsea switched off as Rice’s quick free kick released Kai Havertz into the penalty area and the former Chelsea forward finished into the bottom corner. However, the Arsenal celebrations were cut short after a VAR check correctly ruled the goal out for offside against the Gunners striker.
The tense atmosphere continued after the break and the hosts were close to the opener when Wesley Fofana escaped the attentions of William Saliba before lifting the ball onto the roof of the net.
Arsenal led on the hour after Odegaard’s cross was converted by Martinelli at the far post, but Neto’s strike 10 minutes later brought the visitors level.
Both sides pushed for a winner and the best chance fell to Arsenal. Odegaard’s pass released Saliba into an advanced position and the defender’s cut back picked out Trossard inside the six-yard box. However, the forward miscued his effort, sending the ball wide and taking it off the toes of Havertz, who was in a better position to score.
It left both sides with a point and moved them into the top four. However, the result leaves Arsenal with plenty to do if they are to end the wait for a first Premier League title since 2003/04.
More to follow…
