However, ten minutes later, Neto equalized, giving Chelsea a well-earned draw and leaving the Gunners without a victory in their last four league games.
Pedro Neto (R), a Portuguese midfielder for Chelsea, celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Chelsea vs. Arsenal Premier League game at Stamford Bridge. (Photo: AFP)
Pedro Neto’s incredible goal in Sunday’s London derby saved a 1-1 draw, dealing a new blow to stuttering Arsenal’s Premier League title drive.
Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the second half gave Mikel Arteta’s team the lead at Stamford Bridge.
However, ten minutes later, Neto equalized, giving Chelsea a well-earned draw and leaving the Gunners without a victory in their last four league games.
Third-place Chelsea maintained their lead over fourth-place Arsenal on goal differential thanks to Neto’s first Premier League goal since joining from Wolves in August.
Both teams are nine points behind leaders Liverpool, but Arsenal will be buoyed by their position after surpassing expectations in Enzo Maresca’s first season as manager, while Chelsea will be encouraged by their position.
Following their defeat at Newcastle last weekend, Arsenal lost 1-0 to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. They have only won three of their previous nine league games.
After finishing second to Manchester City in both of the previous seasons, Arsenal is vying for its first championship since 2004. They lack the fluidity that got them so close to winning the trophy the previous season.
The North Londoners have only triumphed once in their last seven games in all competitions, against second-tier Preston in the League Cup and Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe.
Although Maresca has stated time and time again that he does not think Chelsea is prepared to contend for the championship, the Italian has established strong foundations since joining the underperforming team during the offseason.
Even though they failed to defeat Chelsea at home for the first time in six years, Maresca’s youthful squad finally seems to be on the right track.
David Raya was promptly called into action by Cole Palmer, Maresca’s crown gem, who tipped over the Arsenal keeper with a 25-yard drive.
Palmer led multiple Chelsea counterattacks, causing Arteta to worry on the touchline as Noni Madueke’s header swung wide and Malo Gusto’s attempt was blocked. Palmer had cleverly dropped deep to take possession in midfield.
Halfway in the first half, Gusto should have given Chelsea the lead when Neto fooled Ben White with some deft footwork before putting in a pinpoint cross that the defender strangely missed from close range.
Arteta was frustrated.
With a relentless performance that included some brutal challenges, Chelsea had forced their will on Arsenal.
However, when Martinelli forced a brilliant stop from Robert Sanchez after Levi Colwill’s careless ball, their tendency to overplay from their own goal kicks almost proved lethal.
After making a late comeback from an ankle injury against Inter in midweek, Martin Odegaard began his first Arsenal match since August 31.
When Odegaard’s swift free-kick found Kai Havertz, who slipped past Sanchez in the 32nd minute, it appeared as though he had given Arsenal the lead.
However, a VAR check that revealed the former Chelsea striker was offside by the smallest of margins put an end to Havertz’s jubilation.
Chelsea had been playing well despite that close call, and early in the second half Wesley Fofana came very close to getting a physical reward when he volleyed just over from Madueke’s cross.
Arsenal continued to work hard and took the lead at the hour.
The Brazilian’s close-range goal beat Sanchez’s near post too easily after Odegaard, surrounded by defenders on the Chelsea area’s edge, deftly negotiated just enough space to flick a brilliant pass to the unmarked Martinelli.
Arsenal had greatly missed this kind of beautiful moment during Odegaard’s absence.
Jurrien Timber, who was appropriately motivated by his captain, nearly extended Arsenal’s lead with a daring run that ended with a low drive that went just wide.
But Maresca’s tactical change in the 70th minute paid off, and Arsenal’s lead was short-lived.
Arteta held his head in despair as the Portugal winger cut inside after Neto was moved from the left to the right flank. The low shot arrowed into the bottom corner from 25 yards out.
Pedro Neto’s Second-Half Equaliser Help Chelsea Snatch Draw Over Rivals Arsenal
