ARSENAL were left frustrated in a cagey 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts had the better of the first half, with David Raya tipping over a shot from Cole Palmer early on before Gabriel Martinelli squandered a glorious chance to score from close range.
But after the break it was the Gunners who had the wind in their sails before the returning Martin Odegaard floated a cross to Martinelli who then squeezed a shot past Robert Sanchez.
Arsenal had looked solid throughout the clash until Pedro Neto popped up unmarked just outside the penalty area before arrowing a shot into the bottom corner.
Leandro Trossard came off the bench to sky a late shot over the bar before his touch misdirected a cross beyond Kai Havertz who would have had a tap in with the last kick of the game.
Ultimately a draw seemed to be a fair result, though it leaves Arsenal nine adrift of the title. Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners.
David Raya – 7
Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well.
Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.
Ben White – 5
Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored.
Booked for a foul on the winger later on.
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William Saliba – 6
Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole.
Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him.
Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.
Thomas Partey – 6
Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing.
After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.
Declan Rice – 6
Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside.
Subbed off after 71 minutes.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge.
Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack.
Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high.
Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.
Kai Havertz – 6
Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside.
Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.
Subs
Trossard (on for Martinelli 71 mins) – 4
A miscued shot and needless touch at the end denied Arsenal a winner.
Merino (on for Rice 71 mins) – 5
Made no impact on the game.
Gabriel Jesus (on for Saka 81 mins) – N/A
Not even time to make impact.
