Chelsea and Arsenal play out 1-1 draw in Premier League
Neto drilled in superb Chelsea equaliser after Martinelli put Gunners in front
Chelsea (3rd) & Arsenal (4th) are both nine points behind leaders Liverpool
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
The international break is upon us and it's time for the Premier League to go into hibernation for a week or two.
Arsenal have serious work to do when they return to action on 23 November.
Will they drag themselves back into the title race?
To be continued...
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Arsenal under Arteta has all the hallmarks of Spurs under Poch, few seasons of competitive football without winning anything.
Som
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Graham Potter
Ex-Chelsea manager on Sky Sports
On the departure of Edu as Arsenal sporting director: "It's that alignment with recruitment because if you continually make good decisions in recruitment you've got a chance with your environment and a chance with your team. If you make the wrong decisions you've got the opposite and there's problems.
It always works in tandem. You need good recruitment, you also need good coaching. Mikel has done that really well, he's created an environment at Arsenal where there is a standard and a clear way they want to play. That makes it easier for the recruitment team to make decisions.
Ultimately, whoever comes in has to be aligned with Mikel and has to be on the same wavelength, take the pressure of Mikel and take the workload off him but still be aligned and make the right decisions.
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We really needed to win that one, and almost did right at the end. Nine points behind Liverpool going into the break, need a massive upgrade in quality and a Liverpool downturn.
Martin
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Graham Potter
Ex-Chelsea manager on Sky Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea have identified that they want to sign young players. They want to build a team that has a lot of growth in it. Apart from the first window after the new owners came in they've switched to a more younger player profile.
They've got a coach with a clear style of play so every window now they can be making decisions about what qualities they need on the pitch but also what they need off the pitch. That's the qualities you need when building a team. It is about the talent but also what you bring as a person and if you can handle the situation here at Chelsea.
In the end you have to win, Chelsea expect to win. They have to grow into that or they have to look for solutions to bring people from outside who can help them win.
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Cole Palmer was marked out of the game but the one time he vacated the middle and let Neto drift in there he finds space and scores. With that little bit more flexibility up front Chelsea become scary and their defence is improving. A world class goalkeeper and Chelsea will challenge.
Patrick
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp
Former Liverpool midfielder on Sky Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesIt's quality from Odegaard [for the opening goal]. He plays a delightful ball into the far post. It's a really good finish. Yes, the keeper could do better but I think you have to credit the finish.
It shows you the Odegaard effect, Arsenal's performances will go up and up now he's back.
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, speaking to Sky Sports: “Unbelievable… back doing what I love. It has been a long time, the longest I have been out of football in my whole life. It felt good to be back out there although disappointed we didn’t get the win.
"We’ve done a lot of work with the fitness coaches and physios pushing me every day. I wanted to come back as soon as possible. I felt okay today. I didn’t expect it [to play 90 minutes]. I’ve only done three training sessions with the team or something.
“It is a long season, long way to go. We had a tough period in December last season and came back. We know the quality and mentality we have and we just have to keep going."
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Image source, ReutersArsenal’s Martin Odegaard made his first Premier League appearance since August against Brighton – he registered his eighth assist from open play in the competition in 2024, with only Cole Palmer (11) and Mohamed Salah (9) recording more this calendar year.
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Image source, ReutersChelsea manager Enzo Maresca, speaking to Sky Sports: "We can compete, I've said that many times. We can compete, no matter what the competition, despite the fact there are clubs, like Arsenal, that have had the same manager for five years. We are behind, but this doesn't mean we aren't going to compete. We are Chelsea and we are going to compete in every game.
"We created problems initially [through Cole Palmer's position] and they adjusted and we have to find another find. We did exactly the same to them.
"All of our players are ready when we decide to give them the opportunity. Enzo [Fernandez] was ready to play from the start but we decided not to for a tactical reason but then he was excellent. Pedro [Neto] has been excellent since he joined us.
"It is so so strange for all the guys that are outside. We need balance. Sometimes Malo [Gusto] will play, sometimes Reece [James] will play, but the important thing is that when they play they perform well and this is the main thing.
"It is nice to have an international break and recover the energy. We are happy with where we are, especially because we've played in the way we want to play and that is the most important thing. We are not thinking about where we in May - it's pointless."
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Paul on X: Not going to turn on Arteta but our team has regressed from last season. Defence not as solid, midfield leaves gaps and needs Rice in front of defence. As for our attack we criminally neglected refreshing it in the summer when everyone could see we needed someone.
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal goalkeeper David Raya, speaking to BBC Sport: “We are disappointed. We are going to be disappointed to get just one point, especially the way we played, the way we approached the game and the chances we created but I think we showed what we are about.
"Coming to this place and knowing how hard it is just getting the ball off them and attacking. It is going to make us better over the next few games.
"We have played tough games away from home and coming here with that personality we show, we wanted to win and it is going to push us for the next games. We have to take the positives and focus on the next one."
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Paul Merson
Former Arsenal midfielder speaking on Sky Sports
Arsenal were very comfortable if I'm being honest, David Raya didn't have much to do. He's [Mikel Arteta] got to fill the tank up again. He's got to make sure it gets down to six points rather than go to 12. I think they'll do well to catch Liverpool now."
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In April 2012 Man City were 8 points behind United with 6 games to go. They won the title. Some perspective, please!
Angus, Gooner in London
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Are Chelsea really one of the best teams in Europe?
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Sport: “I am very disappointed but very proud as well with what I have seen from the team again. We did the most difficult one to score the first goal but very disappointed with the way we conceded. The standards and our defensive habits were nowhere near. They have quality and if you give them space they are going to punish you.
"But then the team reacted in a way that was fabulous with the desire to win, show initiative, take risks and be so dominant but we didn’t manage to score the [winning] goal.
“They destroy every team that comes here in every way, but I thought we were superb. We were very unlucky. We have dominated one of the best teams in Europe but we don’t get the results. That is what is missing."
On players returning to fitness: "We are still missing a lot and some of the guys out there are not in the best condition and that is all we are asking, that they are fit and available and the physical condition to play at this level and we have not had any of that. It was patch, after patch, after patch - a lot of players starting and not in the condition to finish games, so that is what I am praying for."
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Winners and Sinners: As Liverpool keep marching on, the teams behind them continue to keep tripping over each another.
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp
Former Liverpool midfielder on Sky Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesArne Slot is the big winner this weekend. Man City losing yesterday and Arsenal drawing. They need to keep that momentum after the international break. Right now, the ascendancy is with Liverpool. Liverpool play Man City in a couple of weeks.
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Image source, ReutersArsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports: “The disappointment of not getting three points is bigger [than being satisfied] and it will probably be bigger after watching it back. I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations in the game and after going ahead, very disappointed in the way we conceded. It was so poor. It is not our standards and we don’t accept."
On Chelsea's goal: "It is a second phase set piece and we were disorganised. We don’t reorganise quick enough and you can’t allow the pass that way. You need the quality of Neto to do it but our standards were not good enough."
On Martin Odegaard and injuries: "Our player has been out for six weeks and barely trained with the team. To be able to play at this level in the Premier League tells you how much he looks after himself and the leadership and character he has. Everything flows better with players like this. Today we clicked much better. You could see everything was flowing but again it is about winning.
"What we have found is that every day we have had to change something big, you know, the engine, the wheels, steering wheel because we've had problem after problem. Normally the team goes down but this team has unbelievable energy and spirit to play."
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Simon Willsher: A well deserved point. Either side could have won it. Sanchez at fault again? If we have Cech or Courtois in goal, we're several points better off. Already.
Neto scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea to earn a point for the Blues
Pedro Neto drilled in a fine equaliser but Chelsea and Arsenal both fell further behind Premier League leaders Liverpool as a result of their entertaining draw at Stamford Bridge.
They are now nine adrift of top spot having started the weekend seven back, while Arsenal are without a win in their past five games in all competitions.
The visitors opened the scoring when Gabriel Martinelli slammed the ball past Blues keeper Robert Sanchez at his near post after collecting a back-post cross from the returning Martin Odegaard.
Chelsea's leveller was deserved. Neto ran on to an Enzo Fernandez pass before cutting inside and striking a powerful low left-footed shot past David Raya's dive.
England winger Bukayo Saka limped off late on with an injury as both sides strived to create a winning chance.
Arsenal came closest but Leandro Trossard was unable to divert William Saliba's cross into the net from six yards, a second before referee Michael Oliver blew for full-time.
Chelsea have lost once in their past 10 matches and played like a team filled with confidence.
Cole Palmer set the tone when his long-range strike was tipped over by Raya before Malo Gusto headed a good chance over the bar from close range.
Martinelli also had a good chance in the first half before Kai Havertz had a strike ruled out for offside.
'Disappointed but proud' - Arteta on Chelsea draw
This was always going to be an important game for Arsenal but more so after Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa on Saturday which meant the Gunners started the day 10 points off the top of the table.
Manager Mikel Arteta was able to start captain Odegaard for the first time in two months after his return from an ankle injury and as he grew into the game he had a big influence on the Arsenal midfield.
Arsenal have lacked creativity in recent weeks and with Odegaard back in the side from the beginning, the build up play from the back was much improved.
It was Odegaard’s cross that led to Martinelli’s opener and the fact that he completed 90 minutes will be a huge boost to Arteta.
However, the Spanish manager said before the game that not winning matches "affects the mood and energy" of the camp and his side now have to sit with that feeling until their match with Nottingham Forest which comes in 13 days, after the international break.
Maresca satisfied with Chelsea performance following draw with Arsenal
Before the match Blues manager Enzo Maresca said that Arsenal are the team closest to matching the dominant Manchester City.
However, his side started the match the brightest and star man Palmer drew an outstanding save from Raya in the opening two minutes.
Maresca, who has shown he is not afraid of making big decisions, left club captain Reece James on the bench for "technical and tactical reasons" and his call nearly paid off.
Gusto has been one of the stand out signings for Chelsea in recent times and he impressed again with his ability to go into into midfield and will be disappointed that he did not head in from close range in the first half.
The Clearlake ownership group have always said that their plan for the club will take time but the effect Maresca is having in his first season is impressive.
They are joint third in the league and with a clear identity of how they want to play, they will be feeling optimistic for the rest of the season.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| |
| 2 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| |
| 3 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
| |
| 4 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 19 |
| |
| 5 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
| |
| 6 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| |
| 7 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 18 |
| |
| 8 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 18 |
| |
| 9 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| |
| 10 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 16 |
| |
| 11 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 16 |
| |
| 12 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| |
| 13 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 15 |
| |
| 14 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 12 |
| |
| 15 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 10 |
| |
| 16 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 10 |
| |
| 17 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 22 | -10 | 8 |
| |
| 18 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 7 |
| |
| 19 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 6 |
| |
| 20 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 21 | -14 | 4 |
|
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League games against Arsenal (D2 L6), a 2-0 away win in August 2021.
Arsenal have won three of their last four Premier League away games against Chelsea (D1), as many as they had in their previous 20 visits to Stamford Bridge (D7 L10).
Arsenal have won their last six Premier League London derby matches by an aggregate score of 22-3. They’ve won three of these six games by 5+ goals, having won just one of their first 295 such games by such a margin.
Chelsea have conceded at least once in each of their last six Premier League home games, last having a longer such run between December 2015 and August 2016 (13). With five of those games coming in 2024-25, it’s their longest run without a home clean sheet from the start of a league campaign since 2011-12 (6).
Arsenal have lost 2-0 to Bournemouth and 1-0 to Newcastle in their last two Premier League away games. They last lost three in a row on the road in December 2021, while they last did so without scoring in August 1994.
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 26 Premier League games on the weekend immediately following a European fixture (W19 D6), going down 2-0 at home to Aston Villa in April. When facing Chelsea in such a match, they’ve lost five of their last seven, though the two exceptions have been in the last two meetings (0-0 in September 2017, 1-0 in November 2022).
Of all managers to face Chelsea at least 10 times in the Premier League, only Kenny Dalglish (77%) has a higher win rate against the Blues than Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta (60% - W6 D2 L2).
No player has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (7 goals, 5 assists), while he’s also created the most chances from open play this term (24). His first ever Premier League goal at Stamford Bridge came in this exact fixture last season – since then (and including that goal) he’s scored more home goals than any other player (21).
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has provided more assists than any other player in the Premier League this season (7). He’s also either scored (1) or assisted (2) a goal in each of his last three away games against Chelsea in the Premier League, with Sergio Agüero (2013 to 2017) and Javier Hernandez (2012 to 2018) the only visiting players to do so in four consecutive appearances.
Since the start of last season, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has been involved in more London derby goals than any other player in the Premier League (10 goals, 2 assists), with his 12 involvements coming in his last nine such appearances.
