Pedro Neto's brilliant goal helped Chelsea secure a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in Sunday's London derby, dealing another blow to the Gunners' Premier League title aspirations.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli's second-half strike at Stamford Bridge. However, Neto's equalizer ten minutes later earned Chelsea a well-deserved point, leaving Arsenal winless in their last four league games.
Neto's first Premier League goal since joining from Wolves in August kept Chelsea above Arsenal in the standings on goal difference. Both teams trail leaders Liverpool by nine points, but while Chelsea may feel encouraged by their position under Enzo Maresca's leadership, Arsenal face questions about their recent struggles.
Arsenal's only wins in their last seven matches across all competitions were against Shakhtar Donetsk and second-tier Preston. Maresca, who has repeatedly stated that Chelsea are not yet title contenders, has nonetheless laid solid foundations since his arrival.
Despite not securing a home win against Chelsea in six years, Maresca's young side appears to be progressing in the right direction. Cole Palmer, a standout player, tested Arsenal's David Raya early on with a 25-yard shot.
Chelsea dominated much of the game with a physical approach, but nearly paid for their overplaying from goal kicks when Levi Colwill's mistake led to Martinelli forcing a save from Robert Sanchez.
Arsenal's lead came through a sublime pass from Martin Odegaard to Martinelli, but it was short-lived as Neto's tactical switch allowed him to score a stunning goal from 25 yards, leaving Arteta visibly frustrated.
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