Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal: Blues’ Positives and Negatives

In a thrilling, end-to-end clash, both teams had big chances before Gabriel Martinelli struck to give Arsenal the lead. However, ten minutes later, Pedro Neto fired home a stunning equalizer to level the score. That’s how it ended, with the Blues showing flashes of quality, but lapses in defense and missed chances showed there’s still work to be done.

The Positives

Pedro Neto will go down as brilliant purchase

Many Chelsea fans were initially skeptical about the Pedro Neto’s signing due to his injury history, but he has quickly proven himself as the team’s first-choice winger. His influence was undeniable as he scored his first Premier League goal of the season with a powerful strike to secure a point.

Beyond his goal, Neto consistently drove at Arsenal’s defense, sent in a perfect cross that Malo Gusto narrowly missed, and showcased a high defensive work rate. His dynamic play and relentless energy make him essential to Chelsea’s attack, and his ability as a true winger is a perfect complement to Cole Palmer’s style. Noni Madueke’s place in the lineup now faces a real challenge, as Neto continues to prove he has all the tools to become a massive success at the west London club—if he can stay fit.

Third in the table heading into the November international break

Chelsea fans have reason to be optimistic heading into the international break, going up to third place in the Premier League. While some may point out how close the standings are—with only a three points separating third from 11th—they overlook that Chelsea has already tackled some of their toughest fixtures. After the international break, the Blues face a more favorable run of games, with opportunities to pick up points against mid- and lower-table sides. CFC at this point hasn’t played any of the newly promoted teams. This stretch provides Chelsea a valuable chance to build momentum and strengthen their position in the standings.

Not only does the league table look good, nnder Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has shown clear improvement from last season, playing with a defined identity that’s bringing out the best in key players. For the first time since the 2021/22 season, they’re back in the mix for a top four finish—an impressive turnaround, especially considering that at this stage last season under Pochettino, an unstable Chelsea sat in 10th place. Now, with a solid foundation and an encouraging run of fixtures ahead, Chelsea looks primed to keep climbing the table.

Man of the match Marc Cucurella kept Bukayo Saka quiet

Marc Cucurella’s value to Chelsea has grown immensely since his debut in 2022, with his rapid improvement making him a crucial figure in the Blues’ lineup. Although Arsenal managed to contain Palmer, Cucurella stole the spotlight, earning praise across the board and being named player of the match. Last season, in the same fixture—a 2-2 draw—Bukayo Saka had a far easier time against the Spanish full-back. This time however, Cucurella delivered a near-flawless defensive display, winning all three of his tackles, making three interceptions, and conceding just one foul.

Saka, who had been on a scoring or assisting run in each of his previous three away games against Chelsea, struggled to make his usual impact. In fact, it wasn’t until the 78th minute that he managed to get past Cucurella, only to leave the field shortly after with a suspected injury. As Cucurella continues to elevate his game, his defensive resilience has become indispensable to Chelsea’s setup, proving just how vital he has become to Maresca’s system.

The Negatives

Another quiet Cole Palmer outing

Cole Palmer’s performance against Arsenal was far from his best, and while his recent injury scare—sustained from a tackle by Lisandro Martinez in Chelsea’s 1–1 draw with Manchester United—certainly didn’t help, it can’t be the only excuse. Palmer reportedly missed one of the initial training sessions ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League clash with FC Noah but was later seen back on the pitch for the final session and recovery leading up to Sunday’s showdown with Arsenal. Despite his return to training, Palmer’s impact remained limited, much like his subdued display against United when he was fully fit. The England international struggles have had a direct impact on Chelsea’s results, with the Blues dropping points in back-to-back games. It doesn’t help that the 22-year-old was seen limping and visibly in pain after the match. Although Palmer has been called up to play for the Three Lions in the Nations League, there’s a chance he may have to withdraw. The medical team may have rushed him back too early, but what would you expect in an occasion like a London derby against the Gooners.

Midfield pairing held strong, but lacking creativity

While the exciting play of Palmer, the direct running of Neto, and Jackson’s improvement have pushed Chelsea forward this season, the foundation rests on the promising partnership between Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. The duo took control of midfield against Arsenal, breaking up play and disrupting their rhythm. Caicedo was especially impressive, filling gaps with spot-on positioning and providing Chelsea with a solid defensive base.

However, while both Caicedo and Lavia excel individually, their partnership may lack the creativity needed to generate more goal-scoring chances. Enzo Fernandez, despite recent dips in form, remains a crucial piece for his ability to link defense to attack, as shown in his cameo against the Gunners where he provided the assist. With Caicedo and Lavia offering defensive solidity, Enzo’s vision and playmaking add balance, allowing Chelsea’s forwards to play higher up the pitch with confidence. This midfield setup, featuring two of the brightest young talents alongside Enzo, gives Chelsea defensive security and a platform to build from, even as Caicedo and Lavia continue to refine their partnership.

Arsenal unbeaten at the Bridge since 2018

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have kept an unbeaten record against Chelsea for six years, a streak extended by Sunday’s draw—a result that underscores just how much the rivalry has shifted in Arsenal’s favor. For Chelsea, this ongoing record is becoming increasingly embarrassing, especially considering Arsenal’s dominant 5-0 win at the Emirates in their last matchup earlier the year. Even at Stamford Bridge, once a fortress for the Blues, Arsenal have been the stronger side, winning three of their last four visits. The Gunners’ ability to control these recent London derbies reflects a shift in power that Chelsea have struggled to counter, as Arsenal continue to assert themselves as the capital’s top club. However, that will change very soon—right?