Pedro Neto’s goal canceled out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener and left Arsenal in a tight 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with both teams nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca’s side were boosted by the news that Cole Palmer was fit to start and the England international will be ready to play. But his 25-yard strike was brilliantly overturned by David Raya.
The home team was creating better chances. Noni Madueke headed home the far post before Malo Gusto missed the best chance of the first half. Pedro Neto’s cross found the full-back but he could only head his shot over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.
With Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice back in the starting XI, Arsenal grew into the half and although Martinelli’s shot was saved by Robert Sanchez, the Gunners thought they had taken the lead.
Chelsea put the game away after Rice’s quick free-kick sent Kai Havertz into the penalty area and the former Chelsea forward into the bottom corner. But the Arsenal celebrations were cut short after a VAR check ruled the goal was not for offside for the Gunners striker.
The tense atmosphere continued after the break and the home side went close to the opener when Wesley Fofana escaped William Saliba’s attention and lifted the ball over the roof of the net.
Arsenal led after an hour after Odegaard’s cross was converted at the far post by Martinelli, but Neto’s goal leveled the visitors 10 minutes later.
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Odegaard broke down Chelsea’s defense with a high ball to Martinelli, who scored the first goal at the near post.
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Pedro Neto scored his first Premier League goal to give Chelsea a crucial equalizer against Arsenal.
Both sides were pushing for a winner and the best chances went to Arsenal. Odegaard’s pass put Saliba in an advanced position and a defender’s cutback picked out Trossard inside the six-yard box. But the forward botched his effort, sending the ball wide and taking it off the toes of Havertz, who was in a better position to score.
Points on either side put them in the top four. But as a result, Arsenal have a lot of work left to do if they are to end their wait for a first Premier League title since 2003/04.
More to follow…
