Arsenal were forced to settle for just one point on their visit to Stamford Bridge, drawing 1–1 against Chelsea in their Premier League clash on Sunday night (November 30, 2025).
For the league leaders, the result felt more like two points dropped, especially given the circumstances. Chelsea were reduced to 10 men as early as the 38th minute after Moisés Caicedo received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino.
But despite the numerical disadvantage, Chelsea stunned Arsenal by scoring first. Just three minutes into the second half, Trevoh Chalobah met a Reece James corner with a looping flick header that sailed over everyone and nestled into the far corner. Stamford Bridge erupted as the home side grabbed a surprising lead.
Arsenal, however, reacted swiftly. After struggling to find space for much of the match, Bukayo Saka finally produced a moment of brilliance. Drifting into the penalty area, he delivered a perfectly measured cross that Mikel Merino powered into the net with a forceful header past Robert Sánchez.
The equalizer restored Arsenal’s momentum and set up a tight final phase.
The draw keeps Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, maintaining a six-point lead over Chelsea and a five-point cushion over Manchester City, who sit second.
Below is the complete breakdown of Arsenal’s player performances in this heated London derby.
Goalkeeper & Defenders Player Ratings
David Raya — 6/10
Struggled to read the trajectory of the set-piece that led to Chelsea’s goal.
Other than that moment, he faced very few direct threats and had a relatively quiet evening.
Jurrien Timber — 7/10
One of Arsenal’s most reliable performers on the night.
Calm under pressure and composed in possession, Timber anchored the defensive line even during chaotic moments of the match.
Cristhian Mosquera — 6/10
Thrown into action early due to Saliba’s injury.
Looked nervous initially against Chelsea’s aggressive pressing but grew into the game, showing determination and refusing to hide when Arsenal needed him.
Piero Hincapié — 6/10
Organized the backline well and constantly directed Mosquera, acting like a leader.
Nearly produced a late winner with a perfect cross but was denied. Picked up a yellow card for a tactical foul.
Riccardo Calafiori — 5/10
Received an unnecessary yellow card in the first half.
Offered little attacking impact on the left flank and was withdrawn at halftime.
Midfield Player Ratings
Martin Zubimendi — 6/10
A quick booking forced him to play more cautiously.
Spent much of the match locked in physical duels with Enzo Fernández, limiting his influence.
Declan Rice — 7/10
Arsenal’s most consistent performer on the night.
Strong defensively, composed in transition, and produced a crucial tackle to deny a golden opportunity for Neto.
A true midfield general who kept Arsenal competitive.
Eberechi Eze — 5/10
Unable to find his rhythm.
Repeated stoppages due to fouls disrupted his flow and visibly frustrated him. Struggled to impose himself creatively.
Forwards Player Ratings
Bukayo Saka — 6/10
Not always dominant, but produced the decisive moment that mattered.
His inch-perfect cross led directly to Merino’s equalizer.
One moment of brilliance salvaged a point for the Gunners.
Mikel Merino — 7/10
Not his smoothest performance—several touches and passes were below his usual standard.
But once again, Merino delivered where it mattered most, scoring the crucial equalizing header.
A reliable solution in his makeshift striker role.
Gabriel Martinelli — 5/10
Still searching for sharpness after a long absence.
Had one promising chance in the first half, but Sánchez denied him. Lacked confidence in key moments.
Substitutes Player Ratings
Myles Lewis-Skelly — 5/10
Introduced for Calafiori at halftime but immediately received a yellow card.
Failed to influence the match meaningfully.
Martin Ødegaard — 6/10
The captain brought fresh energy and tried to unlock Chelsea’s defense with his creativity.
However, he could not break through the compact structure of the 10-man Blues.
Noni Madueke — 6/10
Booed by the home crowd due to his Chelsea background, but showed confidence when carrying the ball.
A decent cameo, though lacking decisive end-product.
Viktor Gyökeres — N/A
Barely touched the ball after coming on late.
Almost scored the winner, but Timber accidentally deflected Hincapié’s cross that was heading toward him.
Final Verdict
Arsenal’s 1–1 draw at Stamford Bridge will feel like a missed opportunity, especially after Chelsea were reduced to ten men. Merino once again stepped up as an unexpected goal scorer, but several Arsenal players failed to reach their best level.
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