Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Chelsea as Mikel Arteta’s side moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea held their own from the outset against the league leaders and caused their opponents all sorts of problems. But the hosts were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages of the first-half as Moises Caicedo was given his marching orders for a late challenge on Mikel Merino.

The Blues continued to take the game to Arsenal in the second period and took the lead just after the break as Trevoh Chalobah headed in from a corner. Arsenal regrouped and drew level just before the hour mark as Merino headed home a fine cross from Bukayo Saka. And neither side were able to find a winner as the points were shared.

Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players…

Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea (4-3-3)

David Raya: 7

Made a fine save just before the opening goal but was in no man’s land as Chalobah put the Blues ahead. Was generally solid when called upon.

Jurrien Timber: 7

Made a crucial tackle to halt Enzo Fernandez in the first-half but was lucky to avoid a sanction after another challenge on the Argentina attacker. An outstanding athlete and calm with the ball at his feet. Was a bigger presence in the final third after Arsenal went 1-0 behind.

Cristhian Mosquera: 5

Looked shaky at times as Arsenal faced a barrage of attacks from the hosts. Looked exposed for much of the clash, even when Chelsea had 10 men, and also lacked composure with the ball at his feet.

Piero Hincapie: 5

Suffered a torrid time trying to deal with Estevao in the first-half, with the Chelsea forward causing all sorts of problems. Slipped and allowed Joao Pedro in at one stage and wasn’t aggressive enough. Needed to be more assertive, with Arsenal desperately missing their usual centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel.

Riccardo Calafiori: 6

Was cautioned for a tug on Reece James’ shirt as Arsenal found themselves under the cosh in the opening period and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly at the break.

Eberechi Eze: 6

Struggled to get into the game against a physical Chelsea side a week after producing one of the finest performances of his career in the north London derby. Well marshalled by the Chelsea defence and was replaced with 18 minutes remaining.

Martin Zubimendi: 5

Was booked inside the opening five minutes after a foul on James. Gave the ball away a couple of times before the midway stage of the first-half and then lost the ball to James after the interval as the Blues had the opportunity to double their advantage. Only lasted 57 minutes.

Declan Rice: 6

Had a quiet match by his standards as he struggled to assert his authority. Dropped incredibly deep after the interval in an apparent effort to protect the Gunners centre-backs. The north London giants didn’t have too many set-pieces to deliver the ball into the box, either, which limited his output further forward.

Bukayo Saka: 8

Was the victim of a heavy challenge from Marc Cucurella early on. Had the chance to put Arsernal ahead soon after, but saw his effort saved by Robert Sanchez. Was Arsenal’s most lively player for much of the contest and finally got his reward as he delivered the cross for Merino’s goal.

Mikel Merino: 7

Started up front ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, but was forced to drop deep and effectively played as a midfielder in the first-half. Was the victim of a terrible tackle from Caicedo as the Ecuador international was sent off, but then illustrated his prowess in front of goal by heading in the equaliser.

Gabriel Martinelli: 5

Had little impact on the game as he barely had a sniff of the ball. Kept himself sharp and tested Sanchez with an effort just before the interval, but was hauled off with less than an hour played.

Substitutions

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6

Came on at half-time after Riccardo Calafiori had been booked, but was cautioned himself moments after being introduced to the action.

Noni Madueke: 7

Arteta rang the changes early in the second-half, with Noni Madueke asked to offer more goal threat than Gabriel Martinelli had managed. Delivered a decent cross that was headed away by Cucurella.

Martin Odegaard: 6

Came on for Martin Zubimendi after the Spaniard had endured a tough afternoon. And Arsenal levelled soon afterwards. Will face a battle with Zubimendi for a starting place in the coming weeks.

Viktor Gyokeres: 6

Made his return from injury as he came on for Eberechi Eze. Almost scored a winner late on but couldn’t divert the ball into the net.