Pedro Neto’s first-ever Premier League goal for Chelsea secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, rescuing a point for the Blues in a tightly contested London derby.
Chelsea looked lively from the outset and nearly took the lead in the first half. David Raya was called into action early, tipping over Cole Palmer’s powerful 20-yard shot, a warning shot for the Arsenal defense.
Minutes later, Malo Gusto connected with a perfect cross from Neto, only to head wide from close range, squandering a key opportunity to put Chelsea in front.
As the game progressed, Arsenal began to push back. Gabriel Martinelli found space but was thwarted by a well-timed save from Robert Sanchez, keeping Chelsea in the game.
Former Blue Kai Havertz thought he had broken the deadlock for Arsenal, slotting in from close range, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for offside, much to the frustration of the visiting side.
With both teams deadlocked at 0-0 and level on points in the league, the game hung in the balance as neither side was able to gain control for the first hour.
But the breakthrough finally came on 60 minutes when Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, back in the starting lineup, lofted a well-placed ball to the far post.M
Martinelli was ready and waiting, firing a sharp finish past Sanchez from a tight angle to give Arsenal the lead and silence the home crowd.
However, Chelsea refused to fold. With less than 15 minutes remaining, Neto found himself unmarked 20 yards from goal.
Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a low, precise shot that sailed past Raya, finding the bottom corner and restoring parity for the Blues.
The Stamford Bridge crowd erupted, celebrating Neto’s first league goal in blue as Chelsea fought back to level the game.
The draw leaves Arsenal on a four-match winless streak in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Arsenal now both trailing Liverpool by nine points going into the international break.
The result puts added pressure on Arsenal to regroup and revive their title challenge, while Chelsea will look to build on Neto’s heroics as they eye a stronger push in the league.
