Arsenal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, ending the weekend nine points off title leaders Liverpool.
The announcement of the starting XI brought the news Gooners have been waiting for, as captain Martin Odegaard made his first start since the 1-1 home draw vs Brighton on gameweek three, the Norwegian replacing Leandro Trossard. Despite doubts over Declan Rice’s fitness following a knock at Newcastle he was also deemed fit enough to start for Arsenal in the midfield, with Mikel Merino making way for the Englishman.
Chelsea made one change from their 1-1 draw away to Manchester United at Old Trafford. As Marc Cucurella returned at left-back with Reece James dropped to the bench.
With many feeling that only a win will do to keep any hopes of winning the title alive, Arsenal needed to start on the front foot. However the home side would see the best chances come to them in the opening stages of the first half, Cole Palmer struck a great effort from distance which was well saved by David Raya. And they would also have the best chance of the first half soon after as a pin-point cross from Pedro Neto found Malo Gusto at the back post with a free header but the Frenchman headed over when he looked certain to score.
Following that chance Arsenal began to grow into the game, and the influence of Odegaard could be seen as Arsenal looked better in possession than in recent weeks. Gabriel Martinelli would be presented with a good chance in the box with his left foot, however the effort was tame and saved by Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal. And it would bet the Gunners who would find the back of the net first half an hour in, as a quick Rice free-kick was played to Kai Havertz and the ex-Chelsea man held of his marker and finished well past Sanchez. However, the goal was ruled out for offside in what was a close call on the German.
Despite encouraging signs in the first half, Arsenal had only tested Sanchez once through Martinelli. But the Brazilian would get another chance on the hour as a lofted pass from Odegaard found the winger unmarked at the back post, and Martinelli showed great composure to take the ball down and finish smartly at Sanchez’s near post to give Arsenal a precious lead at the Bridge. The goal marking their first away from home in just over four hours of football.
Unfortunately, they would only be in the lead for ten minutes, as a corner for the home side led to the ball being played to Neto 25 yards from goal, and with no Arsenal player closing him down he unleashed a low and powerful drive past Raya and into the bottom corner. The equaliser a big blow to Arsenal who had looked the better team following the interval but now needed to try and find another goal.
However, neither team could find a winner and both were forced to settle for a draw. A result which Arsenal would not really have hoped for, but the November international break offers a chance to rest and reset, with a big run of form needed to stay in the title race heading into the new year.
Following the break, it’s a first home game in over a month as high-flying Nottingham Forest come to N5 in what is a must-win for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Player Ratings:
David Raya: 7 – Some good saves, claims and distributions and could do nothing about the goal
Ben White: 5 – Struggled up against the pace and skill of Neto
William Saliba: 7 – A strong performance both on the ball and defensively
Gabriel: 6 – Often didn’t look too comfortable versus Nicolas Jackson but was ok
Jurrien Timber: 7 – Bright on the ball and solid
Thomas Partey: 6 – Kept Arsenal moving but maybe should’ve closed Neto down for the goal
Declan Rice: 6 – Didn’t look 100% fit, like Partey maybe could’ve helped prevent Neto’s equaliser
Martin Odegaard: 7 – Great assist for the goal and somehow played 95 minutes on his first start back. Arsenal are very lucky to have a captain like Odegaard
Bukayo Saka: 6 – Cucurella had a great game against Saka who couldn’t really get the better of the Spanish full-back
Kai Havertz: 6 – Worked hard but wasn’t hugely influential
Gabriel Martinelli: 7 – Arsenal’s brightest attacker and scored a good goal