AFCON 2025
Chelsea and Arsenal played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, with both sides determined to claim all three points.
Arsenal will be the more disappointed side, as this result sees them fall 9 points behind Liverpool, making their title charge highly unlikely.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Odegaard makes Arsenal tick
The Gunners looked bereft of creative quality over the past month in Odegaard’s absence, struggling to create chances and even score goals.
The Norwegian returned to Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup and there was an immediate improvement.
He set up Gabriel Martinelli for the opener and could have scored towards the end of the game.
Cole Palmer was disappointing
Palmer is Chelsea’s best player but he certainly didn’t show that here.
The 22-year-old was on the fringes throughout, failing to inspire his teammates or create opportunities of his own.
He constantly drifted out to the left and found himself in tight areas as the game went away from him. Disappointing performance.
Arsenal’s title hopes are over
The Gunners are now 9 points off Liverpool and there has to be a realistic look at the season from here on. Their performances to this point leave little room for positivity. Liverpool have won 9 of their 11 games and are unlikely to drop many points moving forward.
Arsenal must now focus on other competitions and securing a top four spot.
