Arsenal and Chelsea each remain nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool following a tightly contested 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Despite a stronger performance by Arsenal with the return of captain Martin Odegaard, their winless streak in the league extended to four games, raising questions about their title ambitions. Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, continues to exceed expectations, but Arsenal’s recent struggles are casting doubts on their championship hopes.
The Gunners took the lead in the 60th minute when Odegaard, back in the starting lineup for the first time since August, orchestrated a well-timed pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who scored from close range. The breakthrough appeared to revive Arsenal’s momentum, with Jurrien Timber nearly adding to the lead shortly after.
However, Chelsea quickly leveled the score just ten minutes later. A tactical adjustment by Maresca saw Pedro Neto, a recent signing from Wolves, shift to the right flank, from where he unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike that found the bottom corner of the net. The goal marked Neto’s first since joining Chelsea, keeping them third in the standings, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.
Mikel Arteta’s side has now won just three of their last nine league games, a record that threatens to derail their pursuit of a first title since 2004. Having also suffered defeats to Inter Milan and Newcastle recently, Arsenal faces mounting pressure during the international break.
While Chelsea’s young squad continues to show promising development under Maresca, Arsenal’s lack of consistency is becoming a significant concern for Arteta, who has seen his team struggle to replicate the fluidity of their previous season.
