Pedro Neto’s first Premier League goal for Chelsea earned them a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal to extend the Gunners’ winless league run to four matches. With only goal difference separating the two teams coming into the game, the tight contest reflected those fine margins.
Chelsea started off brightly, with Cole Palmer first testing David Raya before Malo Gusto missed a header from close range. Arsenal’s best first-half chance saw Gabriel Martinelli’s tame shot easily handled by Robert Sánchez, while Kai Havertz’s strike was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Following a turgid second period, the introduction of Martin Ødegaard breathed life into Arsenal, and he soon sought out Martinelli – whose clinical finish at the near post of Sánchez arrived on the hour. Chelsea levelled matters just a decade of minutes later as Neto cut inside to beat Raya with a low strike.
Late chances were at a premium as Nicolas Jackson’s goal was ruled offside and William Saliba’s cross deep in injury time was headed away from Havertz. Chelsea remain third in the league now unbeaten in nine of the last ten. Arsenal, who remain winless on the road since mid-September lie nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who are struggling to sustain their early title challenge.
