Merino Header Rescues Point for Arsenal Against 10-Man Chelsea

Merino Header Earns Arsenal 1-1 Draw at 10-Man Chelsea

Mikel Merino struck a crucial equaliser to help Premier League leaders Arsenal draw 1-1 with 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, extending the Gunners’ unbeaten run to 17 matches in all competitions.

Caicedo Sees Red as Chelsea Go Down to 10

The match took a dramatic turn in the 38th minute when Moises Caicedo was shown a straight red card after a VAR review. His challenge caught Merino high on the shin, marking Chelsea’s fourth dismissal in just 13 league games — the highest in the league.

Despite the setback, Chelsea opened the scoring just after halftime through Trevoh Chalobah, who flicked in Reece James’ corner to stun Arsenal.

Merino Levels After Saka’s Brilliant Cross

Arsenal’s response came just 11 minutes later. Bukayo Saka delivered a curling in-swinger from the right flank, which Merino met at the far post, guiding his header past Robert Sanchez to level the match.

The goal was Merino’s latest decisive contribution for Arsenal in a season where he’s become increasingly influential under Mikel Arteta.

Match Highlights

• Red Card: Moises Caicedo (38’)

• 1-0: Chalobah (Chelsea, 48’)

• 1-1: Merino (Arsenal, 59’)

• 7 yellow cards shown, including bookings for Hincapie, Calafiori, and Mosquera

• Chelsea created better late chances despite being down to 10 men

Chelsea Show Fight Despite Dismissal

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Chelsea performed well:

• Reece James shone as a makeshift midfielder, battling former teammate Declan Rice

• Substitutes Garnacho and Delap brought energy in attack

• Chelsea had more dangerous second-half chances through Pedro Neto and Wesley Fofana

However, discipline remains a concern. Chelsea have now received six red cards in all competitions, underlining a serious trend.

Arsenal Overcome Injuries Again

Without Gabriel and Saliba, Arsenal fielded an improvised backline of Mosquera and Hincapie. Despite early nerves and defensive lapses at set-pieces, they held firm in the final stretch.

• Arsenal conceded from a corner — rare under Arteta

• Merino once again delivered in a key moment

• Viktor Gyokeres returned, Gabriel Jesus made the bench

Arteta’s side remain five points clear at the top, navigating a tough run against Spurs, Bayern, and Chelsea unbeaten.

Premier League Table (Top 3)

What’s Next?

• Arsenal host Brighton midweek, looking to maintain momentum.

• Chelsea travel to face Leeds, but will be without suspended Caicedo.