Arne Slot’s side will certainly feel more satisfied about this 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge than either of the teams involved, despite positives for both. Enzo Maresca sounded happier than Mikel Arteta, as he enthusiastically spoke about how good the performance was. It was still another big game they couldn’t quite win, even as Chelsea now sit in third for the first time in three years. “Very soon we’re going to win this kind of game,” Maresca added. Arteta inevitably described himself as “disappointed” but “proud”.
Arsenal stopped the rot, scored for the first time in three games and actually moved back into the top four due to results elsewhere. They will still feel they left something out there, not least two points.
Marc Cucurella, by contrast, can feel he put everything in. He set the tone for a resolute Chelsea performance that also saw them come from behind. The only real error in an encouraging defensive display was in the chasm left for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal, but part of that was how the returning Martin Odegaard created the opening with a typically creative pass. This is what Arsenal have badly missed.
It would have been symbolic if Odegaard’s full return brought a first league win in over a month. That’s probably what should have happened, to propel momentum again.
Instead, Saka’s late injury seemed to sum up Arsenal’s season. A positive is instantly offset by a negative. Arteta said he’s “praying for no more injuries” as he described “a nightmare” of late, before all but confirming that Saka and Declan Rice won’t be on international duty this week, and then stating that he has to talk with Odegaard about whether he will join up for Norway.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Murray to coach Djokovic for Australian Open title
Andy Murray will coach his longtime rival Novak Djokovic before and during the Australian Open in January.
Jones's complex legacy adds intrigue to must-win clash
It was with not inconsiderable disappointment that news came through on Friday afternoon that illness had laid Eddie Jones low and the Japan head coach would be unable to conduct a planned press conference.
Mighty Springboks ensure Wales end year without win
Wales slumped to a 12th successive Test match defeat and head coach Warren Gatland saw the pressure ramped up on him as world champions South Africa won 45-12 at the Principality Stadium.
Jackson profits as Chelsea put the chaos behind them
In typically unconvincing fashion, Chelsea march on, thanks to the striker who is now, nestled nicely in Erling Haaland’s slipstream, perhaps the Premier League’s second-most-effective marksman.
Arsenal's heartbeat returns to restore missing quality
The Emirates rose to its feet as soon as it became clear Martin Odegaard would be departing.
City slump to fifth straight defeat after Spurs mauling
Five in a row has taken on a different meaning for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.
‘No zero-risk flight paths remain over Middle East’
Aviation group warns of dangers ranging from attacks by Houthi rebels to overloads of air traffic control systems
Satellites spy North Korea’s huge imports of Russian oil
North Korea has allegedly imported more than a million barrels of oil from Russia this year, flouting United Nations sanctions, according to satellite analysis.
Cop29 secures last-minute $300bn climate finance deal
Delegates finally agree after a dramatic day of prolonged negotiations and loud protests echoing through corridors
Rabbits with missing eyes and ears had deadly virus
Dozens of rabbits found dead with missing eyes and ears had a \"dangerous\" and \"highly contagious\" form of hepatitis, according to the RSPCA.