Enzo Maresca singled out Robert Sanchez’s performance in between the sticks as his ten-man Chelsea side earned a hard-fought point against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Blues began the sport as the higher of the 2 sides at Stamford Bridge, but suffered an enormous blow before the break as they were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Moises Caicedo.
Nevertheless, while Chelsea have struggled on other occasions this season after having a person sent off, this time the Blues kept the pressure on their opposition following Caicedo’s dismissal.
The hosts even took the lead after the break through Trevor Chalobah’s header from a corner, although Mikel Merino soon equalised for the Gunners only 11 minutes later.
And while Arsenal struggled to create a number of clear-cut opportunities, it was the performance of Sanchez in goal which prevented the league leaders from snatching a win away from home.
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The Spaniard, much maligned at points last season for his mistakes in goal, denied Gabriel Martinelli’s effort from the sting of the box before the break.
And he produced an ever higher stop towards the top of the sport, getting down low to his left to disclaim Merino’s low drive before popping up quickly to forestall Viktor Gyokeres from sliding in and converting the rebound.
Asked about Sanchez’s performance at full-time, Maresca said: ‘ Robert was superb.
‘If you end up with 10 players against Arsenal, needless to say if you wish to take a degree or win the sport, you wish some special performance, like Robert, like Reece, as you said. So we’re very comfortable with Robert’s performance.’
Discussing James’ superb, all-action display in the midst of the park, the Italian added: ‘Reece, now, his performance has been incredible, top. Now, we now have a game on Wednesday.
Metro on the Match: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
From Stamford Bridge, Metro’s Ben Fleming breaks down the winners and losers from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Caicedo sees Red
The large midfield match-up between Rice and Caicedo fizzled out before half-time when the latter was sent off for a poor challenge on Merino. The Ecuadorian was solid up until that time, but his red card stunted what had been a powerful first half from the hosts.
Estevao shows his age
Estevao lit up Stamford Bridge in midweek against Barcelona but spurned one golden opportunity and was otherwise kept quiet by Calafiori before making way on the break. Perhaps an indication from Chelsea fans to not expect the world from this mercurial teenager just yet.
James delivers a captain’s performance
A real captain’s display from James in front of his home fans. Ran the show in midfield, even before Caicedo’s departure, and continued in that vein after the break, providing the assist for Chalobah’s goal with an excellent set-piece delivery.
Chelsea match rankings: Sanchez 7, Gusto 7, Fofana 5, Chalobah 7, Cucurella 7, James 9, Caicedo 3, Estevao 5, Enzo 6, Neto 7, Joao Pedro 6. Subs: Garnacho 6, Delap 6.
Merino the makeshift no more
Viktor Gyokeres was a welcome return to the Arsenal bench, but might he should wait for his opportunity? Mikel Merino continues to exceed expectations leading the road, and showed true striker’s instinct to ghost behind Fofana and head Arsenal level.
Hincapie up for the fight
Starting his second successive league game, it’s clear to see what Arsenal saw in Hincapie. The left-footed centre-back is rough around the sides, but a bundle of aggression in each boxes, and virtually licked his lips with enjoyment after dispossessing Neto inside his own box.
Arsenal match rankings: Raya 6, Timber 7, Mosquera 6, Hincapie 7, Calafiori 7, Rice 7, Zubimendi 6, Eze 6, Saka 7, Martinelli 6, Merino 8. Subs: Lewis-Skelly 7, Madueke 6, Odegaard 6, Gyokeres 6.
‘For him, superb. We’d like to administer him, we’d like to regulate him, we’d like to regulate somewhat bit his situation. But he was superb tonight.’
Sunday’s result means Chelsea drop to 3rd, but they continue to be six points behind Arsenal at the highest of the table.
And while keen to brush off talk of Chelsea’s title hopes until later within the season, Maresca suggested that a performance of this way against Arsenal will only boost his side’s confidence heading into the hectic festive schedule.
‘If in February, March, we’re where we are actually, we’re going to be for title,’ he said.
‘But we’re still, you realize, end of November, December. Now we’re weeks away. Wednesday, that could be a very difficult game. So, it’s essential be there each time, each time, each time.
‘But needless to say, you realize, Arsenal tonight, Barcelona the opposite day, Liverpool, PSG, these type of games, needless to say, they provide to the players, you realize, the arrogance to grow and to consider.’
Chelsea face a midweek trip to Leeds United on Wednesday as they give the impression of being to increase their unbeaten run to eight games in all compeittions.
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