Pedro Neto dealt a contemporary blow to spluttering Arsenal’s Premier League title problem because the Chelsea winger’s excellent strike rescued a 1-1 draw within the London derby on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s aspect had taken the lead by way of Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half objective at Stamford Bridge. However Neto’s equaliser 10 minutes later earned Chelsea a deserved level and left the Gunners and not using a win of their final 4 league video games. Neto’s first Premier League objective since his transfer from Wolves in August saved third-placed Chelsea above fourth-placed Arsenal on objective distinction. Each groups are 9 factors behind leaders Liverpool, however whereas Chelsea will probably be inspired by their place after exceeding expectations in Enzo Maresca’s first season in cost, Arsenal head into the worldwide break assailed by questions on their malaise.
Overwhelmed 1-0 by Inter Milan within the Champions League on Wednesday, sizzling on the heels of final weekend’s loss at Newcastle, Arsenal have gained simply three of their final 9 league video games.
Chasing a primary title since 2004 after ending second to Manchester Metropolis in every of the previous two seasons, Arsenal lack the fluency that carried them so near the trophy final time period.
The north Londoners’ solely wins of their final seven matches in all competitions got here in opposition to Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and second-tier Preston within the League Cup.
Maresca has repeatedly claimed he doesn’t consider Chelsea are able to problem for the title, however the Italian has laid spectacular foundations since arriving on the underachieving membership within the shut season.
Though they have been unable to safe a primary residence win in opposition to Chelsea for six years, Maresca’s younger staff look like on course eventually.
Cole Palmer, the jewel in Maresca’s crown, shortly compelled David Raya into motion with a 25-yard drive that the Arsenal keeper tipped over.
Astutely dropping deep to take possession in midfield, Palmer led a number of Chelsea counter-attacks that had Arteta fretting on the touchline as Malo Gusto’s shot was blocked and Noni Madueke’s header looped extensive.
Gusto ought to have put Chelsea forward halfway by way of the primary half when Neto teased Ben White with some nimble footwork earlier than whipping in a pin-point cross that the defender by some means headed over from shut vary.
Chelsea had imposed their will on Arsenal with a tenacious show that includes some bruising challenges.
However their propensity for overplaying from their very own objective kicks practically proved deadly when Levi Colwill’s sloppy move led to Martinelli forcing a superb cease from Robert Sanchez.
Martin Odegaard began his first Arsenal recreation since August 31 after getting back from an ankle harm as a late substitute in opposition to Inter in midweek.
Odegaard appeared to have laid on Arsenal’s opener when his fast free-kick discovered Kai Havertz, who slotted previous Sanchez within the thirty second minute.
However Havertz’s celebrations have been curtailed by a VAR test that confirmed the previous Chelsea striker was offside by the narrowest of margins.
Regardless of that slender escape, Chelsea had loved a robust spell they usually went near incomes a tangible reward when Wesley Fofana volleyed simply over from Madueke’s cross early within the second half.
Arsenal saved plugging away and snatched the lead on the hour.
Surrounded by defenders on the sting of the Chelsea space, Odegaard cleverly labored simply sufficient area to clip a elegant move to the unmarked Martinelli and the Brazilian’s close-range strike beat Sanchez too simply at his close to submit.
It was precisely the form of magical second that Arsenal had so sorely missed in Odegaard’s absence.
Suitably impressed by his captain, Jurrien Timber virtually doubled Arsenal’s lead with a buccaneering run that finish with a low drive that whistled simply extensive.
However Arsenal’s lead was short-lived as Maresca’s tactical change paid dividends within the seventieth minute.
Shifting Neto from the left to the proper flank allowed the Portugal winger to chop inside for a blistering low strike that arrowed into the underside nook from 25 yards and left Arteta holding his head in frustration.
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