By Arsenal’s winless run extended to four Premier League matches Sunday as Pedro Neto’s spectacular strike earned Chelsea a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, leaving both London rivals nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock after 60 minutes, side-footing past Robert Sanchez at the near post from Martin Odegaard’s clever cross. Chelsea responded within ten minutes through Neto, who collected Enzo Fernandez’s pass before firing an exquisite low shot beyond David Raya.
The match maintained its intensity from the opening minutes, when fit-again Cole Palmer forced Raya into a fingertip save from 25 yards. Arsenal, bolstered by the returns of Odegaard and Declan Rice to their starting lineup, controlled early proceedings amid a thunderous atmosphere.
Both sides spurned first-half opportunities, with Malo Gusto heading over from close range and Martinelli drawing a save from Sanchez. Former Chelsea striker Kai Havertz thought he had given Arsenal the lead in the 32nd minute, but his finish from Rice’s quick free kick was ruled out for a marginal offside after VAR review.
“We showed character to respond after falling behind,” Neto, named player of the match, told reporters. “It was important to get something from this game.”
The draw leaves both teams looking up at Liverpool, though Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta found positives in ending his side’s two-game losing streak. “We controlled large periods but couldn’t find that winning goal,” he said. “Still, it’s a point at a difficult ground.”
Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity to win it for Arsenal with the game’s final kick, but both teams appeared content with the share of points after an engaging London derby.
