Arsenal’s crisis continues. Thanks to the 1-1 draw at Chelsea, for which Pedro Neto scored for the first time in the league, the Gunners have now been waiting four league games for a win.
Both fan bases should have been happy with the publication of the line-up sheet. While Palmer, who was in question, was among the 11 players who rotated in after the 8-0 defeat to FC Noah for Chelsea, two key players, Ödegaard and Rice, returned for the opposition. Rice had missed the 1-0 defeat to Inter in the last game, while the Norwegian made his first appearance as a substitute in Milan for more than two months (ankle injury) after a break of more than two months (ankle injury).
Despite the captain’s return, Arsenal initially found it difficult to get into the game. Chelsea started more actively: Palmer tested Raya as early as the third minute. But this was the only highlight for a long period of time, as the game was characterized more by passionate tackles.
Havertz goal conceded
The intensity of the duel was illustrated by Caicedo’s comment to Havertz, who was lying on the ground (9th minute). Although the Gunners found their way into the game better after about a quarter of an hour, Chelsea also had the second opportunity. Gusto only headed over from three meters (24th).
This almost led to a penalty: after Gabriel Martinelli had missed the 1-0 (27th), Havertz scored against his former club (32nd). However, since the VAR recognized an offside position, it was a goalless draw at half-time.
Gabriel Martinelli scores in the near corner
The Blues came out of it better, as they did at the beginning of the game. Nevertheless, the Gunners scored – and of course, the painfully absent Ödegaard had an ingenious idea for the recently uncreative north Londoners. After his fine lob, Gabriel Martinelli scored into the near corner (60′). Enzo Maresca reacted with a double change, bringing Mudryk on for Madueke (68′), among others. This resulted in Pedro Neto switching flanks – a ploy that paid off.
The Portuguese immediately started moving to the center and looking to finish. His first attempt was blocked by Timber (69), but the second went into the bottom right corner (70). It was the first league goal of the summer signing in the Blues’ kit.
The visitors sought an immediate response. But as in previous weeks, they lacked the necessary ideas. Except for Trossard’s opportunities (88th, 90th + 6), Gabriel Jesus was offside in front of the former, they couldn’t think of anything more. Because chances were also in short supply on the opposite side, the Londoners drew.
Nine points behind Liverpool
Thus, Arsenal’s winless streak continued. The Gunners did not score a single league goal between the last and the upcoming international break. Meanwhile, Chelsea can live with the point after the weak preseason. Both teams now have 19 points after eleven match days, eight fewer than leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea’s next game after the international break is on November 23 against Leicester away from home. Arsenal have the surprise team Nottingham Forrest as guests on the same day.
