Key takeaways for Chelsea after draw vs Arsenal

The marquee Premier League matchup between Chelsea and Arsenal ended in a 1-1 draw, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring for Arsenal before Pedro Neto netted the equalizer for Chelsea. The result moves Chelsea to third place as they head into the final international break of the year. Here are the key takeaways from the match.

1. Pedro Neto Shines with a Crucial Goal

After being rested midweek, Pedro Neto returned to Chelsea's starting XI, holding his place from the previous Premier League match. The Portuguese international started on the left wing and quickly showcased his skill and agility, consistently challenging Arsenal's right back Ben White. One of his sharp crosses nearly resulted in Chelsea’s first goal, but Malo Gusto's header was just over the bar.

In the second half, Neto switched to the right wing, taking over for Noni Madueke, who was subbed off. Within two minutes, Neto scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea, receiving a pass from Enzo Fernandez and striking a well-placed shot from outside the box to level the score.

Throughout the game, Neto remained aggressive, continually pushing forward to keep Chelsea’s attack alive. On the defensive side, he also contributed with four recoveries, showcasing his all-around impact.

2. Marc Cucurella Keeps Bukayo Saka Quiet

One eagerly anticipated duel was between Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka. The Spanish fullback, who previously stifled Saka during the Euros, once again kept Arsenal’s star under control, forcing Saka to be substituted in the second half.

Starting Cucurella over a makeshift fullback paid dividends for Chelsea, giving them stability on the left side. His excellent performance earned him the Premier League Player of the Match award.

3. Notable Performances Beyond Neto and Cucurella

Chelsea saw strong contributions from several key players beyond Pedro Neto and Marc Cucurella in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal. Moises Caicedo put in a reliable shift in midfield, anchoring play and breaking up Arsenal’s advances. Defensively, Wesley Fofana displayed significant improvement, looking more assured with each game since returning from his ACL injury last year. Up front, Nicolas Jackson proved a constant threat, challenging Arsenal’s defenders and drawing multiple tackles.

4. Robert Sanchez Continues to Struggle

Robert Sanchez’s struggles in goal have been well-documented, and many fans anticipated a costly error. Unfortunately, he didn’t disappoint, leaving the near post open enough for Gabriel Martinelli to score from a tight angle. Rather than covering the post to limit Martinelli’s options at least with a stretched arm, Sanchez left a gap, much to the frustration of Chelsea fans.

His indecisiveness extended beyond the goal, with multiple instances where Sanchez hesitated to release the ball quickly, allowing Arsenal to reset their defense. This marked the fifth goal this season Chelsea have conceded directly due to Sanchez's mistakes. Outside of Enzo Maresca, it seems clear to everyone that Chelsea needs a more reliable option in goal. Sanchez's errors have cost Chelsea in consecutive Premier League matches, and a club with Chelsea's ambitions can’t afford such liabilities in goal.

5. Enzo Maresca’s Selection Choices

In a competitive squad, consistently underperforming players typically make way for others who can contribute more effectively. Yet Robert Sanchez continues to start, despite his costly mistakes—a decision Maresca might need to rethink if he wants Chelsea to succeed.

Another puzzling selection was Noni Madueke. His recent performances have been lackluster, and he often prioritizes individual glory over teamwork, missing opportunities to pass to better-positioned teammates. Madueke’s presence on the right forces Pedro Neto to start on the left, rather than his preferred right side. Neto’s immediate impact when switched to the right highlights how much more effective he can be in his favored position.

Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk are clearly in better form than Madueke among the wingers. When Chelsea returns after the international break, Maresca should consider lineup changes, especially given that the break allows players to reset without concerns about match fitness.

Enzo Fernandez also made a strong case for a starting role, creating more chances than any other Chelsea player despite coming on in the 68th minute. It was his assist that set up Chelsea’s equalizer.

6. Tactical Adjustments Needed

Malo Gusto’s positioning during Chelsea’s build-up play sees him taking an advanced, almost #10-like role on the right side, but this approach once again proved less than ideal. Also, Gusto’s shooting and positioning in advanced areas remain inconsistent. His typical full-back overlaps demonstrated how he can potentially contribute to the attack in a much better way. It was also surprising that club captain Reece James, better suited to such roles as Enzo Maresca's tactics demand, wasn’t given the start.

Another area for improvement is making the most of Cole Palmer. Sunday's match marked only the second time in two weeks that he failed to score or assist since signing for Chelsea. This was partly due to his positioning on the left, where he was less central and impactful. Moving Palmer to a more central role could increase his influence.

Defensively, Chelsea still struggles against teams that overload the back post. Arsenal exploited this tactic with Martinelli’s goal, capitalizing on an inswinging cross where two players waited at the back post. Inswinging crosses continue to challenge Chelsea, and Maresca and his defensive coaches must find ways to address this vulnerability.

7. Another Winless Outing Against a Top Opponent

Despite the draw lifting Chelsea to third because of other match results, it’s clear they could have done more in recent matches where points were dropped. Equalizing soon after conceding to both Manchester United and Arsenal shows Chelsea’s capability to strike back, but they need to sustain this fighting spirit for a full 90 minutes instead of playing conservatively.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures after the break present an opportunity to build momentum, especially with a deep squad that should be advantageous during the hectic festive period. Currently, just four points separate third and 13th place, so a strong run of results could solidify Chelsea’s top-four aspirations. Still, one can’t help but wonder if more hunger and resilience might have seen them collect more points at this stage.