Chelsea star cops red card as league leaders Arsenal drop points in London derby
Updated . First published at
Chelsea were reduced to 10 men for more than half the game but still managed to hold on for a draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Monday morning (AEDT).
The hosts got off to a positive start at Stamford Bridge but with the scores locked at 0-0 heading towards the break, things took a sour turn.
In the 35th minute, star midfielder Moises Caicedo came in late with his studs up and collected Mikel Merino in the ankle, causing a lengthy delay.
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Caicedo was initially handed a yellow card before the decision underwent further review and he was soon given his marching orders.
Moises Caicedo's challenge on Mikel Merino Stan Sport
"After review, Chelsea 25 makes a challenge with excessive force ... therefore, my final decision is a red card," referee Anthony Taylor said.
While they were down a player, Chelsea struck first in the 48th minute when a grazing header from Trevoh Chalobah went into the back of the net.
However, the table-topping Gunners hit back in the 59th minute when Merino headed in a goal of his own to keep their hopes if victory alive.
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Neither side could find a winner in the final half an hour of action in the all-London clash.
As a result, Arsenal's lead atop the Premier League standings was narrowed to just five points ahead of Manchester City and six points clear of both Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Defending champions Liverpool earned a crucial 2-0 win over West Ham, while Manchester United moved into the top six with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
