Bukayo Saka was the first to try his luck with a low drive, but it was easily stopped by Robert Sánchez. Chelsea then began to gain control of the game, with Enzo Fernández forcing a stop from David Raya in the 30th minute.

The game had already seen four yellow cards by the 38th minute, when Moisés Caicedo was given a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino. This was Caicedo's second red card of the season, and Chelsea's sixth player to be sent off in all competitions.

The red card threatened to change the game's dynamics, but Chelsea held their ground until halftime, with Sánchez producing a crucial stop to deny Gabriel Martinelli before the break.

Chelsea fans were likely content with a point, given the circumstances, and they were soon celebrating the prospect of more success after the restart.

A set-piece delivery from Reece James found João Pedro, whose header required a post-clearance for a corner, and the ensuing delivery from James was glanced in by Trevoh Chalobah, leaving Raya with no chance.

Chelsea has now scored the first goal in each of their last eight Premier League games and set about restricting Arsenal's attack as they searched for a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

However, Maresca's plan was short-lived, as Mikel Merino equalized for Arsenal just 11 minutes later, powering home Saka's precise cross before the hour mark. With the momentum on their side, Arsenal pressed for a second goal, but Chelsea held firm, even creating some attacking chances of their own.

Substitute Viktor Gyökeres rifled a low shot at goal as time ran out, but Sánchez was equal to it before being clattered as the striker followed in.