Arsenal managed to salvage their unbeaten start after coming from 2-0 behind to draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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| Malo Gusto impressed for Chelsea against Arsenal ( Image: (Getty Images) |
Summer signing Cole Palmer was given the opportunity to give the Blues an electric start against their London rivals. VAR saw a penalty awarded for a William Saliba handball - Palmer scoring from the resultant spot-kick.
Mykhaylo Mudryk - previously an Arsenal transfer target - then doubled the home side's lead as his misguided cross dropped into the net.
But Robert Sanchez's error allowed Declan Rice to halve the deficit as the Gunners threatened a comeback - something that was eventually completed by substitute Leandro Trossard.
After an impressive start from the hosts, they were given the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot. Mudryk's header was blocked by Saliba's arm, with VAR intervening to see the decision given - loud appeals from Stamford Bridge effectively demanded Chris Kavanagh to visit the monitor.
There was very little doubt that it was a penalty due to Saliba's outstretched arm. It was a similar call that benefitted Liverpool in their Merseyside derby victory against Everton earlier in the day.
As Mo Salah had done, Palmer stepped up and slammed the ball home with aplomb, sending David Raya the wrong way. For all of the debate about VAR and handball, the decision was spot-on for the opening goal.
Player ratings
Arsenal: Raya (5); White (7), Saliba (6), Gabriel (6), Zinchenko (6); Rice (7), Odegaard (6), Jorginho (6); Saka (7), Jesus (6), Martinelli (6)
Subs: Tomiyasu (6), Smith Rowe (6), Nketiah (6), Trossard (8), Havertz (6)
Chelsea: Sanchez (5), Gusto (5), Silva (6), Colwill (6), Cucurella (6), Gallagher (6), Caicedo (6), Fernandez (7), Mudryk (7), Sterling (8), Palmer (8).
Subs: Jackson (6), Madueke (6), James (6)
Player of the match: Cole Palmer
Team news
Chelsea made two changes, with Mykhailo Mudryk and Malo Gusto in for Armando Broja and Axel Disasi. Fit-again captain Reece James was on the bench.
Arsenal made two changes, with Bukayo Saka back fit and Gabriel Martinelli also starting in the frontline. Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah made way.
Arsenal's comeback
Arsenal offered nothing in that first 45 in an attacking sense and a nightmare moment for Raya at the start of the second half doubled their trouble. Mudryk's miscued cross floated over the Arsenal keeper, who had strayed too far from his line, and dropped inside the back post. A revived Mudryk lapped up the applause.
Raya was wobbling when he then sent a slack pass straight to Palmer on the edge of the box - although he just about managed to recover to block the shot.
At the other end, Arsenal threatened from a series of corners, with Takehiro Tomiyasu heading over as Robert Sanchez clattered into opponents and team-mates alike, but it was Chelsea who recovered to look most likely to score next, with Nicolas Jackson closed down by Raya before Palmer curled wide.
But Sanchez handed Arsenal a way back, with his pass out allowing Rice to pounce from long-range. It was another glaring goalkeeper error and this one turned the tide.
Moments after Chelsea supporters had celebrated the introduction of fit-again captain Reece James, it was another sub who made a decisive impact, with Trossard expertly guiding in Saka's cross after escaping Malo Gusto's attentions.
The Arsenal fans celebrated the equaliser as emphatically as they celebrated the winner against Man City a fortnight ago. It was worth two points less but could be another important moment in this season's title race.
What Managers said:
Pochettino:
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says his side need to take 'many, many positives' from the game, despite throwing away a 2 goal lead against Arsenal.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino: "Until the we conceded the first goal the game was under control, we didn't concede many chances to an amazing team. I'm disappointed because I think we dropped two points.
"Today we are in an era of football where we want to play from the back. Mistakes can happen in football. It was unlucky. This goal gave the belief to Arsenal. At the same time I'm so happy because we were very competitive and we need to feel proud of our performance and players. The game was closer to 3-0 than 2-1."
Arteta
Critical of penalty call but says: Our reaction was phenomenal to going 2-0 down
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said his side were playing without purpose in the first half but was pleased they showed determination to earn a draw at Chelsea
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: "The start of the game, we didn't play with enough purpose and clarity. We didn't win enough duels in tight areas and then they escaped from that. Credit to them because they are a top side full of top players. When we don't have those two things we become an average team. The way the team reacted [to going 2-0 down] is phenomenal. That's the part I loved. And that the dressing room was quiet [afterwards] - because they want more.
On the Chelsea penalty for Saliba's handball: "The law is clear in where the ball has to be in relation to action. It's impossible to jump without lifting your hands. Mechanically it's impossible."
Opta stats:
One win in 12 Premier League games at home for Chelsea
Chelsea have won just one of their last 12 home Premier League games (D6 L5), a 3-0 victory against Luton at Stamford Bridge at the end of August.
Following Leandro Trossard's equaliser, Arsenal have now had five goals scored by substitutes in the Premier League this season with only Brighton having more (7).
Cole Palmer's opener for Chelsea was the first away goal Arsenal have conceded in the Premier League since May at Nottingham Forest, ending their run of 355 minutes without conceding on the road in the competition.
What's next?
Chelsea are back in Premier League action next Saturday when they host Brentford; kick-off 12.30pm.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are in Champions League action on Tuesday with a trip to Sevilla; kick-off 8pm.
Their next Premier League assignment is against Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on Saturday October 28; kick-off 3pm.
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