Chelsea defied the odds and the immediate impact of a first-half red card on Sunday, 30 November, to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against English Premier League table leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, England.

The stormy London derby was defined by drama when midfielder Moises Caicedo, whose overzealous play was noted, was dismissed for a reckless studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino at the 38th-minute mark.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Blues manager Enzo Maresca was praised for his brave tactical response, choosing to maintain an aggressive shape rather than assume a defensive formation.

The choice of approach paid off moments into the second half when captain Reece James, playing brilliantly in midfield, delivered a corner for Trevoh Chalobah to head home the game’s first goal two minutes into the second half.

Though Mikel Merino quickly levelled the score for Arsenal, the ten-man hosts demonstrated remarkable resilience and limited the Gunners’ chances, earning a point that Maresca called a sign the team is “heading in the right direction.”

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