Arsenal’s winless run continues as they are held to a draw by Chelsea in a thrilling Premier League encounter. Read more on the match highlights and what this means for both teams’ season.
Following their 1-1 draw on Sunday, Arsenal and Chelsea are trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by nine points. Meanwhile, Ipswich achieved a surprising 2-1 victory over Tottenham, marking their first Premier League win in 22 years.
Arsenal have not secured a victory in their last four Premier League matches, putting their pursuit of a first title since 2004 in jeopardy.
The Gunners saw a significant boost with captain Martin Odegaard returning to the starting line-up after two months, and although their performance at Stamford Bridge improved noticeably, they still fell short of securing those crucial three points.
On the hour mark, Odegaard set up Gabriel Martinelli to score with a shot aimed at the near post.
However, Neto’s equalizer 10 minutes later secured a well-deserved point for Chelsea and extended the Gunners’ winless streak to four league games.
Mikel Arteta’s team gained the advantage with a second-half goal by Gabriel Martinelli at Stamford Bridge.
Neto’s first Premier League goal since his transfer from Wolves in August helped maintain Chelsea’s third-place position over Arsenal, which sits in fourth place on goal difference.
Both teams trail leaders Liverpool by nine points. However, Chelsea can take heart from their current standing after surpassing expectations in Enzo Maresca’s debut season at the helm. In contrast, Arsenal enters the international break facing scrutiny over their struggles.
Arsenal’s recent form has been shaky, having won only three of their last nine league matches. This includes a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday and a loss to Newcastle last weekend.
In pursuit of their first title since 2004, and having finished second to Manchester City in the past two seasons, Arsenal currently lacks the fluidity that nearly secured them the trophy last year.
The only victories for the north London team in their last seven matches across all competitions were against Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and second-tier Preston in the League Cup.
Maresca has consistently stated that he does not think Chelsea are prepared to compete for the title. However, since his arrival at the underperforming club in the off-season, the Italian has established impressive foundations.
Despite being unable to achieve their first home win against Chelsea in six years, Maresca’s young team finally seems to be moving in the right direction.
Cole Palmer, the standout player in Maresca’s lineup, swiftly compelled David Raya to make a save with a 25-yard shot that the Arsenal goalkeeper managed to tip over.
Palmer cleverly dropped deep into the midfield to take control, sparking several Chelsea counter-attacks that left Arteta anxious on the touchline. During these attacks, Malo Gusto’s shot was blocked and Noni Madueke’s header looped wide.
Midway through the first half, Gusto had a golden opportunity to put Chelsea ahead. Neto dazzled Ben White with skillful footwork before delivering an accurate cross that should have been converted; instead, the defender inexplicably headed it over from close range.
Chelsea dominated Arsenal with a determined performance that included some tough challenges.
However, their tendency to overplay from goal kicks almost resulted in disaster when Levi Colwill’s careless pass allowed Martinelli to challenge Robert Sanchez with a difficult save.
Martin Odegaard made his first start for Arsenal since August 31, following an ankle injury. He returned as a late substitute in the midweek match against Inter.
It appeared that Ødegaard had set up Arsenal’s first goal when he quickly took a free-kick, finding Kai Havertz who then scored past Sanchez in the 32nd minute.
However, the celebrations for Havertz were cut short due to a VAR review that revealed the former Chelsea striker was offside by an extremely slim margin.
Despite their narrow escape, Chelsea had been in good form and nearly secured a tangible reward when Wesley Fofana volleyed just over from Madueke’s cross early in the second half.
Arsenal persisted in their efforts and seized the lead at the 60-minute mark.
Encircled by defenders at the edge of Chelsea’s area, Odegaard skillfully maneuvered to create just enough space for himself and delivered an exquisite pass to Martinelli, who was left unmarked. The Brazilian executed a close-range shot that easily got past Sanchez at his near post.
It was precisely the kind of enchanting moment that Arsenal had desperately lacked during Ødegaard’s absence.
Inspired by his captain, Jurrien Timber nearly extended Arsenal’s lead with a bold run that concluded with a low shot whizzing just wide.
However, Arsenal’s advantage was brief because Maresca’s tactical adjustment proved successful in the 70th minute.
By shifting Neto from the left to the right flank, the Portugal winger was able to cut inside and unleash a blistering low shot that arrowed into the bottom corner from 25 yards out, leaving Arteta holding his head in frustration.
