Arteta Admits Arsenal’s 1–1 Draw at Chelsea Was “A Tricky Game to Play”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described his team’s 1–1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday as “a tricky game to play,” after the Gunners failed to widen their Premier League lead to seven points.
Despite Chelsea going down to 10 men in the first half following Moises Caicedo’s red card, it was the Blues who struck first. Trevor Chalobah put the hosts ahead early in the second half, capitalizing on a free-kick to send Stamford Bridge into celebration.
Arsenal eventually found a response when Mikel Merino connected with a pinpoint cross from Bukayo Saka to level the game.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Arteta revealed that the red card altered the dynamics of the contest:
“With the 10 men we expected a different game… we went through it in the second half,” he said.
“They get a free kick and they score. Then it becomes a very tricky game to play.
“When you don’t win with 10 men for 45 minutes you have to be disappointed. But you also have to know the week we had… they’ve never played together so we need to build that synergy.”
The draw means Arsenal remain top but with a slimmer margin, while Chelsea walk away with a morale-boosting point.
OPINION: Arsenal’s Struggles Show the Team Isn’t Fully Synced Yet
Arteta’s comments highlight a deeper issue: Arsenal are still learning how to play as a fully cohesive unit. The injuries, rotations, and new partnerships have clearly affected the team’s rhythm, and Stamford Bridge exposed that vulnerability.
Yes, Chelsea were reduced to 10 men — but having more players on the pitch doesn’t automatically guarantee control, especially when the opposing team finds structure and belief.
Arsenal lacked fluidity, creativity, and that killer instinct that title-winning sides typically possess. Games like these are where champions assert dominance — but instead, Arsenal found themselves reacting rather than dictating.
Still, there are positives:
Merino is settling in well.
Saka remains consistently decisive.
The team fought back instead of collapsing.
But games like this also serve as a reminder:
the Premier League title race won’t be won on quality alone — synergy, consistency, and mentality will matter even more.
Arsenal remain top, but the chasing pack will smell opportunity.
