Premier League: Chelsea holds firm in tense London derby
In a fiercely contested Premier League clash, ten-man Chelsea secured a gritty 1-1 draw against league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The match’s pivotal moment arrived in the 38th minute when Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Mikel Merino.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Chelsea broke the deadlock early in the second half. Trevoh Chalobah powered in a header from a corner in the 48th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Arsenal, however, leveraged their extra man to apply sustained pressure. The equalizer came just before the hour mark, with the recovered Merino heading home a Bukayo Saka cross to make it 1-1.
Chelsea’s defense, led by a resilient Robert Sánchez in goal, held firm against waves of Arsenal attacks to claw a vital point.
The result leaves Arsenal five points clear at the top, while Chelsea’s determined display moves them back into third place, six points off the summit.
