10-man Arsenal fight back to earn 2-2 draw against Chelsea

Gabriel Martinelli, Pepe and Lacazette celebrating Arsenal's first goal against Chelsea

Arsenal demonstrated character, togetherness and leadership that helped them to earn a draw, as they were reduced to 10-man and trailing by a goal within half an hour at Stamford Bridge. Mikel Arteta’s side fought back twice to share a point with the Blues in an eventful London derby.

Arsenal vs Chelsea – Goals

David Luiz was shown a red card against his former club for tripping Tammy Abraham in the penalty area as the Chelsea striker denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Abraham received the ball from a terrible back pass from Mustafi and got past of Arsenal goalkeeper Lane.

Jorginho kept the spot-kick low and left-hand side of Leno to score the first goal of the match. 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli levelled with the box to box solo run with the ball, receiving the ball from a Mustafi clearance header. A slip by N’Golo Kante saw Martinelli running unchecked during this spectacular goal.

When it was just six minutes away from regular time, Spanish captain of Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta put Blues ahead with a clinical finish. Hector Bellerrin, the Spanish captain, levelled the score once again for Gunners within three minutes. Hector Bellerin marked his comeback from injury with the dramatic equaliser from the edge of the penalty area.

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta

“To do that against this kind of opponent in this stadium, I really value,” Gunners boss Mikel Arteta told during the post-match press conference. “The way they have done it, with the spirit they have done it, that’s great.

“I wasn’t here a few weeks ago but what I am demanding every day they are trying their best to do it.”

He praised Xhaka and Bellerin for their leadership, “The togetherness and leadership they showed today, this is what I wanted to see. We are going in the right direction, but I think tonight is a special night for everybody.”