The Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal ended in a feisty 1-1 draw on Sunday at Stamford Bridge as summer signing Pedro Neto struck to deny the Gunner a crucial victory.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey played the full duration of the crunch encounter and was involved in his team’s goal.
The result leaves both London teams nine points behind leaders Liverpool who defeated Aston Villa 2-0 to consolidate their leadership with 28 points taken from 11 matches.
The first half ended without goals. The Gunners thought Kai Havertz had shot them ahead on 32 minutes, but VAR accurately chalked off the goal for offside against the former Chelsea attacker.
The home team created the best scoring opportunities.
Cole Palmer forced a save from Arsenal keeper David Raya with a 25-yard strike and Noni Madueke glanced a header over the crossbar from inside the area when Neto picked him out.
Gabriel Martinelli put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead at the hour mark.
After a composed session of ball possession between Martin Odegaard and Ghanaian midfielder Partey on the edge of the Chelsea penalty box, the Norwegian then picked out the unmarked Brazilian who beat Robert Sanchez at the near post.
However, Enzo Maresca’s men drew level ten minutes later thanks to Portugal winger Pedro Neto who rifled home into the bottom corner from outside the box with a powerful left-footed effort.
Leandro Trossard wasted a glorious chance to win it for Arsenal after failing to convert from the Blues’ six-yard area.
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