Chelsea vs Arsenal: Blues survive Caicedo red card to deny Gunners at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea made a statement of intent as they held Arsenal to a 1-1 Premier League draw, despite playing over half the game with 10 men.

The atmosphere was electric from the start in this pivotal London derby, with both Chelsea and Arsenal keen to assert dominance.

Following impressive midweek European wins, confidence was high on both sides, leading to a fiercely competitive first half.

After early chances for Bukayo Saka and Enzo Fernández, the game took a dramatic turn in the 38th minute when Moisés Caicedo received a straight red card for an overzealous challenge on Mikel Merino.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea held firm, with Robert Sánchez denying Gabriel Martinelli just before the break.

Against the odds, Chelsea grabbed the lead shortly after halftime. A Reece James corner was expertly flicked in at the near post by Trevoh Chalobah.

However, the advantage was short-lived, as Mikel Merino powered home Saka's cross eleven minutes later to equalize.

Arsenal pushed for a winner, but the resilient Blues, aided by a late save from Sánchez on substitute Viktor Gyökeres, held on for a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Given the circumstances, the point will feel sweeter for Chelsea, while Arsenal maintain their lead at the top.