Top News

Arsenal had Mikel Merino to thank for their share of the spoils at Chelsea, but the Premier League leaders couldn't claim all three points against the stubborn 10-man Blues.

Moises Caicedo was sent off after 36 minutes for a terrible studs-up challenge on Merino, and at that point Chelsea might have folded, just as previously this season when going a player down before half-time. This time they stood up manfully, refusing to be beaten and unceremoniously dumped out of this season's title race.

Trevoh Chalobah headed the 10 men into the lead shortly after half-time, and although Spain international Merino levelled for the Gunners before the hour mark, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could take away plenty of encouragement from the way his team refused to lie down before the leaders.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from the encounter at Stamford Bridge....

READ MORE: Referees accused of doing what VAR is not meant to after Moises Caicedo red card

READ MORE: Arsenal blushes spared by Mikel Merino in angry clash with 10-man Chelsea - 5 talking points

David Raya - 7

Produced a fine save from the head of Joao Pedro. The save led to the corner for the opening goal, which Chalobah gave the stopper little chance with the flicked header. Raya held a shot from Liam Delap well that might have easily gone for a corner.

Jurrien Timber - 7

Brilliant last-man block on Enzo Fernandez in the box to stop another big chance. Remained the only member of the back four not to be booked but couldn’t find the linkage in the offensive half as often as he would have liked.

Cristhian Mosquera – 7

Booked early on in the game for a cynical challenge. Tasked with replacing William Saliba is no easy job especially without Gabriel and the Spaniard was the stronger of the two on the day.

Piero Hincapie – 6

Was erratic in the first half and slipped in the box nearly leading to a chance for Joao Pedro. Produced a great sliding tackle in the box on Neto to prevent a chance.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6

Fantastic last-man challenge on Estevao inside ten minutes to prevent a clear run on goal. However, his booking meant that Mikel Arteta didn’t want to take any risks at the break, and he came off.

Martin Zubimendi - 5

Booked early on in the game for a cynical challenge. He was caught out on a couple of occasions, but the booking was enough for Arteta to sacrifice him.

Declan Rice - 7

Produced an excellent tackle on Pedro Neto in the box to deny a certain goal. The Arsenal engine room, as usual, but perhaps looking a little less dominant after two high-energy games before this, and had to drop into the six role after Zubimendi was replaced, but remained a stable figure in the middle.

Eberechi Eze - 5

Was limited to little involvement in the first half. Joining Martin Odegaard in the second, it got him onto the ball in more frequent situations. However, none led to much and soon he was replaced.

Bukayo Saka - 7

Best chance of the opening stages fell to the winger on the right, his low right-footed drive was saved by Robert Sanchez’s right foot. Perfect cross in the second half to find Merino, his first assist in the league for a year. Had a couple of big chances to shoot at goal, getting too much underneath the ball and seeing the strike sail over the bar.

Mikel Merino - 8

Misplaced pass in his own half nearly led to a big Chelsea chance inside ten minutes. Dropped deep into the midfield throughout but was on the receiving end of the red card challenge from Moises Caicedo. It was that man again, however, who popped up with a big goal, heading past Sanchez from Saka’s cross. Saw a late shot parried by Sanchez.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6

Saw a shot low to Robert Sanchez’s right side stopped, just, as the Brazilian tested the Chelsea stopper. Was brought off in the second half having not had the desired impact.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 5 - Got booked almost immediately after coming on and then played a dangerous pass across his own goal.

Martin Odegaard - 7 - Replaced Martin Zubimendi to restructure the midfield. His presence certainly helped change the momentum of the game after the Chelsea goal.

Noni Madueke - 5 - Replaced Gabriel Martinelli on the left-hand side. Switched sides with Saka after being frustrated down the left, however, remained stunted by his former teammates’ defensive efforts.

Viktor Gyokeres - 5 - Replaced Eberechi Eze to return after a period of injury. Saw the ball and slid in but Sanchez there to catch after Merino’s shot.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Foo tball content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.