Premier League analysis: Talking points from Chelsea vs Arsenal battle at Stamford Bridge

Arsenal and Chelsea shared the points at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, November 30 - but both sides have reason to believe this was two dropped, rather than one earned. 

The home side dominated early proceedings, unsettling Mikel Arteta’s team with an aggressive, physical style. 

Moises Caicedo saw red for a robust challenge on makeshift centre forward Mikel Merino, going overboard with Enzo Marseca’s instruction of getting stuck in.

After a goalless first half, the home side struck first shortly after the interval. Trevoh Chalobah rose highest to glance home a near-post corner, taking advantage of the absence of Gabriel and William Saliba. 

Arsenal clawed back at their opponents 11 minutes later, Merino the beneficiary of exemplary wing play from Bukayo Saka. 

The Spaniard was left with the easy task of nodding home after the Hale End graduate clipped a cross into the vacant space at the back-post.

With the score level and a man to the good, Arsenal had every right to believe they could capitalise, winning this match and extending their lead in the table to seven points. 

However, a resolute Chelsea defence and potent counter-attacking threat dampened spirits in the away dugout. 

Even with the return from injury of captain Martin Odegaard, the Gunners simply could not pick the lock.

Now that the dust has settled, Sports News Blitz writer Tom Gardiner unpacks the talking points from Sunday’s derby.

Arsenal’s kryptonite: Hostility

Enzo Maresca may well have taken inspiration from Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, after the newly promoted side upset Arsenal with a combative, hostile game plan.

This saw the Black Cats earn a point from the league leaders, something not many would’ve expected from the North East club on their return to the top flight. 

Chelsea were hellbent on unsettling their visitors, snapping into challenges right from the first whistle.

This method worked, as the home atmosphere latched onto the effort from the Blues, celebrating every tackle like a goal. 

Maresca’s side relentlessly pressed and continuously won the ball high up the pitch, forcing Arsenal to defend attack after attack.

Arsenal simply could not find their rhythm, something which has looked effortless against lesser sides this season.

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Stopping Arsenal 101

The intent from Chelsea was clear and purposeful: ‘get into them.’

Arsenal were rattled from the opening minute and failed to sustain any real momentum throughout the match. The blueprint is clear for how to unsettle the league leaders. 

Arteta may need to adapt tactically in high-stakes matches because twice in as many away games, his side have fallen to the mercy of intense atmospheres. Other Premier League teams will be taking notes for when Arsenal come to town. 

Arsenal have recently built a reputation for being macho themselves, but still seem to have that Wenger-esque trait of shrinking when the going gets tough.

For much of the second period, the away side were crying out for someone to take the game to Chelsea. 

Key absences halt Arsenal’s title charge

Arteta travelled to the Bridge without stalwart defenders Gabriel and Saliba, losing them both to injury in the last few weeks.

Summer signings Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie started alongside each other for the first time in the Premier League, and were certainly welcomed with a baptism of fire.

Three of Arsenal’s back four were in referee Anthony Taylor’s book by half-time, forcing Arteta’s hand.

18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced Riccardo Calafiori but failed to make much progress, earning a yellow card of his own shortly after his introduction. 

Saliba will likely return before Gabriel, but either would be a welcome sight at the back for Arsenal.

Consequently, the typical composure and poise Arsenal typically show was in dwindling supply. 

Caicedo saw red

Ecuadorian international midfielder Moises Caicedo has dominated opponents all season with his fierce, intense approach to winning the ball.

His engine, mobility and attitude have made him one of the world’s finest in this respect, but it was these exact traits that caused his downfall on Sunday evening. 

Keen to make his presence felt, Caicedo bundled into Jurrien Timber early on in the match, enraging Arteta. No foul was awarded, but the motive of the Chelsea midfielder was clear; he was fired up.

Shortly before half-time, Caicedo once again rushed into a challenge, but arrived at the scene late, planting his studs into the ankle of Merino.

After a predictably lengthy VAR consultation, Taylor’s original decision of yellow was upgraded to red, to no complaints from anyone of a Chelsea persuasion.

This was a clear red card. Caicedo used ‘excessive force’ to challenge his opponent, and it’s difficult to find an angle to watch the challenge without wincing.

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Title implications 

Arsenal fans would still have bitten your hand off the be five clear in December, and taking a point away from Stamford Bridge is nothing to sneer at.

But the nature of the game made it feel like Chelsea gained more than Arsenal did, psychologically at least. 

Arteta’s side are still in a strong position at this early stage, remaining the bookie’s favourite by some margin. However, Chelsea would’ve taken a lot from the game, nicking a point off their rivals after a first-half red card. 

In previous seasons, Maresca has admitted Chelsea are not ready to be competing for titles, but his position this campaign has changed.

He told reporters after the match: “If in February or March, we are where we are now, we’re going for the title - but we are still at the end of November. These games give the players the confidence to grow and believe.”

Whether or not Chelsea are victorious this season, one thing is for sure - The Premier League power dynamics are shifting down South.

Manchester City aren’t the winning machine of yesteryear, and Liverpool are miles off the pace. Arsenal and Chelsea look in pole position to dominate the English top flight for years to come.

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