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Arsenal executed a remarkable comeback, erasing a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Saturday. Leandro Trossard’s late equalizer salvaged a dramatic result for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s team, only 13 minutes away from their first Premier League defeat this season, found themselves trailing after Cole Palmer’s early penalty and Mykhailo Mudryk’s second-half goal put Chelsea in control. However, a misjudged pass from Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, allowed Declan Rice to give Arsenal a lifeline, and Trossard bundled in the equalizer with just six minutes remaining.
Arsenal’s gritty comeback extended their unbeaten start to the league season to nine games, positioning them in second place behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference. This display once again showcased the character and spirit that has been driving Arsenal’s resurgence over the past 18 months, qualities that underpin their aspiration to clinch their first title since 2004.
For Chelsea, this was a significant setback after coming close to securing a pivotal victory in Mauricio Pochettino’s inaugural season in charge. The Blues have struggled to beat Arsenal on their home turf since 2018, and this game represented a prime opportunity to defeat their London rivals.
The match began with a minute’s silence to honor the passing of former Manchester United and England star Bobby Charlton earlier in the day. Chelsea started brightly in the pouring rain, taking the lead in the 15th minute after William Saliba’s outstretched arm blocked Mudryk’s header. Chelsea’s penalty appeal was initially overlooked, but after VAR intervention, referee Chris Kavanagh eventually awarded it following a pitchside monitor consultation. Palmer confidently converted the spot-kick, notching his second goal since his signing from Manchester City earlier in the season.
Rice spearheaded Arsenal’s response, narrowly missing the far post from a sharp angle. Palmer came close to scoring again with a low drive that narrowly missed the target from the edge of the area.
Mauricio Pochettino’s advice to Mikel Arteta not to pursue a coaching career, given when they played together at Paris Saint-Germain, appeared to be a wise choice as the two managers, who described their relationship as “like brothers” this week, engaged in a warm embrace before kick-off. However, there was little love lost between their teams. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka endured a series of harsh challenges from Marc Cucurella, resulting in three players receiving bookings in a feisty first half.
In the 48th minute, Raya gifted Chelsea their second goal when he failed to track Mudryk’s misjudged cross from the left flank, allowing it to float over his head into the far corner. Mudryk’s lucky strike added to the agony for Arsenal, especially considering that he had turned down Arsenal to sign for Chelsea the previous season.
Raya, who had been preferred over Arsenal’s former first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, in recent weeks, appeared far from comfortable. His confidence was further shaken when he made another mistake, nearly conceding another goal as Palmer intercepted his wayward pass but couldn’t convert from 12 yards.
Following Raya’s blunder, Chelsea appeared rattled, and in the 77th minute, Sanchez made a terrible pass that was seized upon by Rice, who lofted a shot into the empty net from 25 yards.
All of a sudden, Chelsea appeared to be plagued by nerves, and Arteta’s side capitalized in the 84th minute. Saka curled a cross to the far post, and Trossard managed to get ahead of Malo Gusto, slotting the ball home from close range.
Eddie Nketiah had a golden opportunity to seal a remarkable late comeback for Arsenal but fired wide, missing the chance to secure all three points.
