Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal: What Were The Main Talking Points As The Gunners Mount A Stunning Comeback At Stamford Bridge?

In what was a pulsating showdown from Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, Arsenal mounted a remarkable late comeback as they snatched a 2-2 draw away at Chelsea.

Making the trip across London as one of just two Premier League clubs that could still boast an unbeaten start to the 2023/24 campaign, Mikel Arteta’s side almost saw that record come to an abrupt end as Cole Palmer put the Blues ahead from the penalty spot after just 15 minutes.

With Chelsea largely dominating proceedings and really flying out of the traps in SW6, Saturday’s hosts doubled their lead just three minutes after the half-time break as Mykhalo Mudryk’s misplaced cross looped over David Raya.

However, while Mauricio Pochettino’s men might have been minutes away from making a major statement in west London, Chelsea were eventually left heartbroken as Arsenal mounted a dramatic late comeback.

Watching England international Declan Rice produce a moment of brilliance 13 minutes before the end, it was then second-half substitute Leandro Trossard who proved to be Arsenal’s hero as the ex-Brighton star tapped home at the back post in the 84th minute.

In a heavyweight showdown that saw chances come at both ends of the pitch, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Saturday’s battle at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal show their psychological resolve

Heading into the final 13 minutes at Stamford Bridge chasing a 2-0 deficit, Arsenal certainly had to demonstrate all of their title resolve in west London.

One of just two Premier League clubs that are still able to boast an unbeaten start from their first nine top-flight appearances, the Gunners once again demonstrated that they are a real contender in this season’s title chase.

Heading into October’s international break with a famous last-gasp 1-0 victory at home against defending champions Manchester City, Arteta’s blossoming squad have continued to gain a reputation for their psychological resolve.

Producing a similar late comeback as when they snatched an action-packed 3-1 win against Manchester United back on September 3rd, the Gunners have given themselves a major platform to build on.

Signing off Saturday’s showdown with just their goal difference keeping them off the top of the table, Arsenal will certainly take away a host of positives from their stellar comeback here.

Chelsea miss out on the chance to make a heavyweight statement

Appearing to have turned a real corner prior to October’s international break, Chelsea certainly opened Saturday’s showdown looking to make another statement of intent.

Marking their return at Stamford Bridge after enjoying a three-match winning run across all competitions prior to the fortnight interval, Pochettino’s side will undoubtedly feel that they missed out on a golden opportunity here.

Flying out of the traps and storming their way to a 2-0 lead just minutes after returning from the half-time break, the former Tottenham boss will know that his squad doesn’t have much time to feel sorry for themselves.

Crashing back down to earth despite putting in what many would have regarded as their most complete performance since Pochettino’s tenure got underway over the summer, Chelsea also have an unenviable fixture list on the horizon.

After a meeting against west London rivals Brentford next week, the Blues then face connective battles against Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester United.

Questions will be asked over Raya

While Saturday’s contest at Stamford Bridge might have seen both England internationals Reece James and Bukayo Saka make their respective returns from injury issues, it was Arsenal’s ongoing situation between the sticks that stole most of the headlines.

Watching Raya come and almost immediately cement his spot as Arteta’s number-one since arriving from Brentford this summer, Aaron Ramsadle has suddenly found himself on the outside looking in.

With Raya once again given the nod at in west London, questions will be asked as to how Mudryk’s second-half cross somehow found a way over the Spanish shot-stopper.

With Ramsdale now making just a single appearance from any of Arsenal’s last eight contests across all competitions, the England international has made it clear that he is frustrated with his situation at the Emirates.

Although many might feel that Raya can offer the Gunners more in terms of his footwork, it is hard to find anyone who feels that Ramsdale deserved to have his position as Arsneal’s number-one snatched away in such a brutal fashion.

Match Report

Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Sterling, Gallagher, Mudryk, Palmer

Subs: James, Jackon, Madueke

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

Subs: Smith-Rowe, Nketiah, Tomiyasu, Trossard, Havertz

Goals: Chelsea: Palmer (15’ P), Mudryk (48’) – Arsenal: Rice (77’), Trossard (84’)

Yellow Cards: Chelsea: Palmer, Cucurella, Silva – Arsenal: White, Zinchenko, Nketiah

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Chris Kavanagh