Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo received a red card in the 38th minute at Stamford Bridge for a reckless tackle on Merino that made contact with his ankle.
Mikel Merino saved Arsenal from defeat as the Premier League leaders fought to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea in a crucial title encounter.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was expelled in the 38th minute at Stamford Bridge for a malicious foul on Merino that made contact with the midfielder’s ankle.
Trevoh Chalobah’s header from a corner kick by Reece James gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute, despite Caicedo’s
English defender Trevoh Chalobah (2L) of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 30, 2025.
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Arsenal maintain a five-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City, who secured a win against Newcastle on Saturday, and are six points ahead of third-placed Chelsea.
Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 30, 2025.
(Photo by KIKI JAGABAN / AFP) The Gunners remain favourites to win their first Premier League crown since 2004, but Chelsea’s combative display suggested they could emerge as the biggest threat to the Gunners’ title aspirations.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions, winning 14 of those matches, while Chelsea have gone seven matches without losing in all competitions.
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