Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal: Gunners leave it late to salvage draw at Stamford Bridge

Able to take the top spot in the Premier League with a win, Arsenal travelled to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side would look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, but a Chelsea side lingering in mid-table would also be seeking to kickstart their campaign with a shock result.

CHE: Sánchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Silva, Gusto; Fernández, Caicedo; Mudryk, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer

ARS: Raya; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Jorginho, Ødegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Saka

Chelsea looked destined to bring an end to their indifferent start to the season when Cole Palmer slotted home the opener from the penalty spot after fifteen minutes. William Saliba had been judged to have handled the ball inside the area, with VAR required to assist the referee’s decision.

Mykhailo Mudryk doubled that lead just three minutes into the second half, leaving David Raya stranded as his rather hopeful strike from a wide position flew into the back of the net. The Ukrainian’s goal certainly came as a sucker punch for the Arsenal faithful, given that he was reportedly close to signing for the Gunners before the deal was hijacked by Chelsea.

But with less than fifteen minutes remaining in West London, Declan Rice gave the travelling fans a glimpse of hope. Capitalising on Robert Sánchez’s woeful clearance, the ex-West Ham midfielder arrived to slot the loose ball back past the goalkeeper – who could only stand and watch.

The majority of the Stamford Bridge crowd would be silenced seven minutes later, when Leandro Trossard restored parity with his first contribution following his introduction from the bench. Nipping in at the far post, he took full advantage of a hesitant Chelsea defence to slam home Bukayo Saka’s cross.

Arsenal would be disappointed to not be heading home with three points, but they’ll strive to return to winning ways as they host Sheffield United next weekend.

Chelsea will take pride from this result, but will look to ensure they don’t let the result slip late on as they welcome Brentford on October 28.