Caicedo sees red as Chelsea holds Arsenal
Chelsea overcame Moises Caicedo's first-half dismissal to hold on for a point against Premier League leader Arsenal in a chaotic 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal went into the London derby aiming to move seven points clear at the summit, but it had to settle for a share of the spoils despite playing the majority of the contest with a numerical advantage.
After a frantic opening 30 minutes in which Bukayo Saka tested Robert Sanchez and Enzo Fernandez looked dangerous at the other end, Caicedo saw red not long before half-time.
Caicedo snapped in on Mikel Merino, but his studs were up and his challenge was late. After a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor upgraded his initial yellow card to a red.
Yet Chelsea started the second half brilliantly, with Trevoh Chalobah heading home from Reece James's corner in the 48th minute.
Arsenal restored parity 11 minutes later, though, with Saka getting the better of Marc Cucurella before crossing in for Merino, who headed in from close range. Seven of the Spain international's 10 Premier League goals have now come with his head.
Sanchez made a diving stop to deny Merino a second, and prevent Arsenal from taking all three points, in the 88th minute, as Chelsea held firm for a result that proves they are certainly able to compete with the title favourites.
