Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points as London derby ends all square | Premier League 2024-25

Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils after an interesting game at Stamford Bridge as it ended 1-1 in the Premier League on Sunday, November 10.

Following a huge 8-0 win over FC Noah in Europe midweek, Enzo Maresca switched the majority of his starting lineup as expected. Marc Cucurella returned to match up against Bukayo Saka while Malo Gusto was picked over Reece James on the other flank.

The Gunners, meanwhile, were coming off a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League. They welcomed Martin Odegaard back to the starting lineup after an injury, with Kai Havertz leading the line against his former club.

Both sides came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half. For Chelsea, Gusto squandered a great opportunity, heading over from close range. Arsenal, meanwhile, thought they had taken the lead through Havertz, but the German forward's celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.

The pressure built in the second half and the visitors eventually took the lead in the 60th minute. Odegaard found Gabriel Martinelli and the Brazilian had loads of time and space to lash home past Robert Sanchez from close range to make it 1-0.

The lead did not last long as the hosts pulled them back after 70 minutes. Enzo Fernandez found Pedro Neto in a pocket of space and the Portuguese winger's fierce effort beat David Raya to level the scores.

Neither side were unable to create the required moment of magic for the remaining 20 minutes as it ended 1-1. Here are the talking points from the game:

Chelsea vs Arsenal Talking Points

#5. Cucurella shuts down Saka

A strong defensive performance from Marc Cucurella saw him effectively counter Bukayo Saka down Arsenal's right. The winger did have his moments, causing trouble with some of his crosses, but was largely kept silent by the impressive Spaniard who was named Player of the Match.

#4. Cole Palmer kept silent

Similar to their opponents, Chelsea also saw their talismanic attacker countered on the night by a stout defensive approach. Thomas Partey was the player chosen to man-mark Palmer, barely affording him any space throughout the game and limiting his creativity.

#3. Gabriel Martinelli's good run continues

Following a difficult 2023-24 campaign with just 10 goal contributions in the league, Martinelli is finding some of his old mojo back. He has proven to be a spark in a difficult run of results for Arsenal and now has three goals and two assists in the Premier League this season.

#2. Chelsea's problem of plenty in attack

Enzo Maresca has mostly used Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke as his starting wingers in the Premier League this season. However, with Sancho injured and Madueke not performing well, he might look to make some changes. The impressive form of Neto, who scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea on Sunday, could throw some doubts for the Italian. Mykhailo Mudryk has also done well in the cup fixtures for the side and remains an option.

#1. Arsenal's title hopes sink further

With just one win in their last four league games, Mikel Arteta's side desperately needed all three points to stay in the hunt for the title. However, the draw sees them nine points off Liverpool at the top and they are currently fourth, behind the Reds, Manchester City and Chelsea (on GD).