The London derby has not found a winner. For a long time a strong performing Chelsea FC looked like the sure winner, but then a mistake brought the Gunners back into the game.
After a terrible start to the season, the Blues’ form has been on the rise ahead of the London derby, with Maurizio Pochettino’s side having won all of their last three competitive games.
The visitors from Arsenal were convincing before the international break in their 1-0 win over Manchester City and even though coach Mikel Arteta made two changes in the offense, Havertz initially remained on the bench on his return to his old stomping grounds. Saka and Gabriel Martinelli came forward in place of Nketiah and Trossard.
Palmer scores from the spot – Arsenal offensively weak
At first, however, it was only the home side who did the storming, stepping on the gas from the kick-off, stressing Arsenal in all situations, always being one step quicker and thus cutting the Gunners off. Consequently, the 1:0 by Palmer on a penalty kick – Saliba had previously had his hand on the ball in the penalty area – was absolutely deserved after a quarter of an hour (15.).
The match remained intense and heated and Arsenal, who had not lost in the league so far, were impressed by the Blues’ running and tackling. In the entire first half, Arteta’s charges did not have a single chance worth mentioning. Instead, Palmer (30th) or Gusto (43rd) could have added to the tally.
Mudryk’s arcing shot is saved
Chelsea again came out of the dressing room with fire and promptly went up: Mudryk outpaced Gallagher and got the ball, the cross then slipped and landed behind Raya in goal – 2:0 (48.).
The second goal woke up the Gunners a bit and suddenly they pressed more determinedly. Still, the game could have been decided just before the hour mark after Raya played the ball into Palmer’s foot. But the attacker got off the mark (58th).
And gradually the pressure also decreased again, Chelsea adjusted well to the visitors’ soccer again and got more and more spaces. Substitute Jackson appeared free in front of Raya, but he stole the ball from his foot (67th).
The double strike out of nowhere
CFC were a little too careless with their chances – and that was to be punished: First Sanchez brought Arsenal back into the game with a misplaced pass in the build-up – Rice took the ball directly (77th), seven minutes later Trossard completed a cross from Saka to equalize (84th).
This came as a surprise and was not really deserved, but now the guests wanted more, Havertz was also on the field by now. Nkethia just missed the complete turnaround (87th).
Thus, after an intensely fought derby, it remained the draw, through which the Gunners are still unbeaten in the league. The Blues’ upward trend continues despite the late setback.
Chelsea are off during the week, then host Brentford FC at Stamford Bridge next Saturday. The Gunners are challenged in the Champions League during the week on Tuesday at Sevilla FC (9pm).
