On November 10, Pedro Neto dealt a new blow to Arsenal hopes of winning the Premier League title when the Chelsea winger’s incredible goal saved a 1-1 draw in the London Derby.
Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the second half gave Mikel Arteta’s team the lead at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro Neto Equaliser Denies Arsenal Victory
However, 10 mins later, Neto equalised, giving Chelsea a well-earned point and leaving the Gunners without a victory in their last 4 league games.
Impact on the Premier League Table
Third-place Chelsea maintained their lead over fourth-place Arsenal on goal differential thanks to Neto’s first Premier League goal since joining from Wolves in August.
Both teams are nine points behind leaders Liverpool, but Arsenal will be buoyed by their position after surpassing expectations in Enzo Maresca’s first season as manager, while Chelsea will be encouraged by their position.
Arsenal Recent Struggles
After losing to Newcastle the previous weekend, Arsenal lost 1-0 to Inter Milan in the Champions League on November 13. They have only won 3 of their last 9 league games.
After finishing second to Manchester City in both of the previous seasons, Arsenal is vying for their first championship since 2004. They lack the fluidity that got them so close to winning the trophy the previous season.
In their last seven games across all competitions, the North Londoners have only won once, against Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and second-tier Preston in the League Cup.
Chelsea Growing Foundations Under Maresca
Although Maresca has stated time and time again that he does not think Chelsea is prepared to contend for the championship, the Italian has established strong foundations since joining the underperforming team during the offseason.
Chelsea Early Chances and Arsenal Close Calls
Cole Palmer, the jewel in Maresca’s crown, quickly forced David Raya into action by tipping over the Arsenal goalkeeper with a 25-yard drive.
Palmer led multiple Chelsea counterattacks, causing Arteta to worry on the touchline as Noni Madueke’s header looped wide and Malo Gusto’s shot was blocked. Palmer had cleverly dropped deep to take possession in midfield.
Halfway through the first half, Gusto should have given Chelsea the lead when Neto teased Ben White with some deft footwork before putting in a pinpoint cross that the defender somehow missed from close range.
Arsenal Missed Opportunities
Chelsea had put up a fierce fight with some brutal challenges to force their will on Arsenal.
However, when Martinelli forced a good stop from Robert Sanchez after Levi Colwill’s careless pass, their tendency to overplay from their own goal kicks almost proved fatal.
In midweek, Odegaard made a late recovery from an ankle injury against Inter to start his 1st Arsenal game since Aug 31.
Odegaard Return and Havertz Disallowed Goal
When Odegaard’s swift free-kick found Kai Havertz, who slipped past Sanchez in the 32nd minute, it appeared as though he had given Arsenal the lead.
However, a VAR check that revealed the former Chelsea striker was offside by the smallest of margins put an end to Havertz’s celebrations.
Second-Half Drama Unfolds
Chelsea had been playing well despite that close call, and early in the second half Wesley Fofana came very close to getting a physical reward when he volleyed just over from Madueke’s cross.
Arsenal continued to work hard and took the lead at the hour.
The Brazilian’s close-range goal beat Sanchez’s near post too easily after Odegaard, surrounded by defenders on the Chelsea area’s edge, deftly worked just enough space to clip a sublime pass to the unmarked Martinelli.
Odegaard Magic Returns
It was precisely the kind of magical moment Arsenal had sorely missed during Odegaard’s absence.
Motivated by his captain, Jurrien Timber nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead with a bold run that ended with a low drive that went just wide.
Neto Late Strike Seals the Draw
But Maresca’s tactical change in the 70th minute paid off, and Arsenal’s lead was short-lived.
Arteta held his head in frustration as the Portugal winger cut inside after Neto was moved from the left to the right flank. The low shot arrowed into the bottom corner from 25 yards out.
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