Chelsea earned a battling 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge despite playing for almost an hour with 10 men.

Moises Caicedo was sent off after 36 minutes for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino, but unlike earlier in the season when Chelsea collapsed after a red card, Enzo Maresca’s side showed remarkable resilience.

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Trevoh Chalobah headed the 10 men into the lead shortly after half-time, and although Merino equalised before the hour mark, Chelsea’s defiance provided Maresca with plenty of encouragement.

The first half was defined by hard tackles and tense moments, with the biggest flashpoint arriving in the 38th minute.

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Caicedo received a straight red after VAR advised referee Anthony Taylor to upgrade the initial yellow for a late, high challenge on Merino, Chelsea’s sixth red card of the season.

Despite the setback, Chelsea went ahead when Chalobah’s flicked header from a corner looped over David Raya into the far corner.

Arsenal responded 11 minutes later as Merino headed in Bukayo Saka’s excellent in-swinging cross at the back post.

The game remained feisty, with seven yellow cards shown. Chelsea had the better chances, even with 10 men, as Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap and Wesley Fofana all threatened.

Arsenal, missing centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba for only the second time since 2021, struggled to create clear openings beyond Merino’s strike and Saka’s long-range effort.

The draw moves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, while Chelsea sit third, one point behind City.

The Gunners are now unbeaten in 17 matches across all competitions, stretching back to 30 August.