Why Chelsea and Arsenal might each be proud of a degree from Super Sunday conflict at Stamford Bridge – regardless of Moises Caicedo’s crimson card

Arsenal stay clear on the prime. Chelsea captain Reece James mentioned his aspect delivered a “statement”, however Mikel Arteta felt the Gunners “should have won”. Here’s why each side may be broadly proud of Sunday’s 1-1 draw…

A constructive level for Arsenal – even when two dropped in circumstances

There might be frustration from Arsenal that they could not capitalise on Moises Caicedo’s crimson card after 38 minutes, however the Gunners had been removed from their greatest at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal had been with out each first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for under the second time in 162 league matches and risked happening to 10 males themselves, receiving six bookings in what was a scrappy contest. Leandro Trossard was additionally absent after selecting up an harm in midweek and attacking gamers like Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres are all nonetheless working their method again to full match sharpness.

It confirmed because the Gunners struggled for attacking rhythm all through the sport in west London. Chelsea have additionally been in advantageous type themselves and even with 10 males they induced Arsenal loads of issues. To maintain the hole to the Blues to 6 factors with a degree Arsenal would have taken earlier than the sport can’t be a nasty factor for Arsenal.

It’s a degree gained on the efficiency however two factors dropped within the circumstances of the sport. Once the mud settles, nevertheless, they may absolutely look again on this as a constructive level.

It additionally comes on the finish of a troublesome week of fixtures for Mikel Arteta’s aspect, the place they produced large victories over north London rivals Spurs and Bayern Munich within the Champions League. It was an emotionally draining week for the Gunners and it confirmed at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s been a big week,” Mikel Arteta mentioned. “The derby, how emotional and the need to win, then Bayern Munich.

“We lost players in those games. The team had to react to that. It’s been a positive week because the difficulty was immense.”

They did not handle to discover a winner to create an ideal week, however to remain unbeaten in three powerful video games needs to be a constructive for the Gunners, who prolong their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 video games.

Finally, when it comes to the Premier League, Stamford Bridge is one other tough away journey ticked off for the Gunners. They have now been to Old Trafford, Anfield, St James’ Park and Stamford Bridge, and to nonetheless maintain a five-point benefit on the prime of the Premier League, Arteta would have taken that.
Oliver Yew

Chelsea shed gentle underbelly to indicate true mettle

This week, and this end result particularly, feels the fruits of one thing Enzo Maresca has been attempting to construct for a while. Chelsea have their chunk again. Too a lot, in a single case.

The previous 5 days have been a story of two crimson playing cards. Whereas Barcelona capitulated following Ronald Araujo’s first-half dismissal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night time, Chelsea had been galvinised by Moises Caicedo’s sending off in opposition to Arsenal, turning into simply the second workforce from 14 to disclaim them victory.

It would have been simple to make use of the crimson card as an excuse. Striking first lower than three minutes after half-time is kind of the other.

Throughout the early Todd Boehly period, questions have been raised about Chelsea’s mentality and a weak dressing room, not aided by the logistics of a ballooning squad.

Even beneath the gradual rebuilding of Mauricio Pochettino, their gentle underbelly remained their greatest Achilles’ heel. It has dogged Maresca at occasions too.

But 18 months into his reign, this efficiency, as a lot as every other, might be used as a benchmark. A mentality blueprint.

Chelsea rolled up their sleeves, did the soiled stuff, the darkish arts, obtained caught in and confirmed Arsenal they had been right here for a battle even at 10 vs 11. For the final hour particularly, they displayed an edge even past their Club World Cup win and return to the Champions League final season.

Those drew on Maresca’s tactical nous; this added the battle.
Ron Walker