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Chelsea and Arsenal played out an intense 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues started the game well, but their plans were thrown into disarray when Moises Caicedo was sent off for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino after a lengthy VAR check.
Enzo Maresca's side showed their resilience though, and Trevoh Chalobah put them ahead as he nodded home from Reece James' corner early in the second period.
However, Merino levelled for the Gunners soon after following good work from Bukayo Saka - and the two sides could not be separated from then on.
Daily Mail Sport's ISAAN Khan was at Stamford Bridge, and he has picked out some key talking points from the clash relating to the Gunners.
Chelsea and Arsenal played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday
Enzo Maresca's side impressed despite being down to 10 men, but Arsenal stay clear at the top
Gunners' depth put to the test
Arsenal’s strength in depth - particularly in defence - had been well documented after a strong summer transfer window.
The north London club went big, acquiring seven new players on permanent deals, as well as Piero Hincapie on loan.
This depth was firmly put to the test against Chelsea tonight following William Saliba’s shock injury in training, adding to the thigh issue Gabriel had picked up on international duty. That paved the way for Hincapie to pair with Cristhian Mosquera at centre back.
It was just the second time in 162 Premier League matches in which Mikel Arteta had started without Gabriel and Saliba, a reflection of the rarity. Duly, the rejigged backline showed, as expected, just how pivotal those two regulars are to Arteta.
Both Hincapie and Mosquera looked shaky on the ball, which arguably caused David Raya to be nervy in his clearances.
Arteta said: ‘It's been a headache because obviously we have to have a lot of options and changes in the last few months for different reasons. That one (Saliba being out) is very unexpected, and it happened yesterday.
‘But the beauty of it is that you have players so willing to play, so willing to connect with each other. So today was a great learning match for all of us and gives you the assurance that whoever is there, is going to perform.’
Firstly, with Mosquera, the Spaniard is a big talent. He is sharp in tackles and covers ground quickly.
Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie were forced to step in at centre back for Arsenal
Their displays hinted at some promising signs, but they can also improve in certain areas
In possession, though, he looked rushed and needed the assistance of Declan Rice at the back. This is no slight on him; aged 21, he is still developing and will grow into a fine defender.
In terms of Hincapie, he teetered on the edge of a red card, clattering Joao Pedro with his arm and then he got caught in a few other close skirmishes.
The centre back also lacked the calmness in possession to settle those around him.
Yet, he did put in some strong tackles and was up for the fight.
His aggression, when channelled carefully, will be a tough proposition for opponents. He needs more game time to fully acclimatise to starting in a title-chasing side.
So, there were decent signs. But, it’s inarguable that an Arsenal without both Gabriel and Saliba in the line-up is a different proposition.
Missing one centre back is navigable. Missing both makes the task at hand more precarious against the stronger teams.
It is why Arteta will be pleased to have walked away from Stamford Bridge with a point, ending a seven-day stint featuring dominant wins over Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
That is some week for the Gunners, one which will be fondly looked back upon in May if they win major silverware this season.
Given he was missing his two first choice centre backs, Mikel Arteta will be happy with a point
Key battle spoiled by silly red card
Two title-chasing teams fuelled by £100million-plus central midfielders who are among the best in the world. The narrative was enthralling, yet spoiled.
Moises Caicedo was aggressively tight on Rice, with the England man dropping deep to help his centre backs.
The early battle was proving to be an intriguing one — until Caicedo was sent-off on 38 minutes after an awful challenge on Mikel Merino.
It was reckless and dangerous, his studs planting into the Spaniard’s ankle.
Rice, subsequently, thrived from the reduced man-to-man pressure. He’s already registered himself as an elite all-rounder who regains plenty of possession, and regularly impacts games in and around the box.
In all competitions this season, only Leandro Trossard (10) and Eberechi Eze (8) have more goal contributions for the Gunners than Rice (7).
The Arsenal lynchpin showed more of his defensive work, providing the protection to help out at the back.
This defensive acumen saw him clean up when the Gunners were under the cosh and stifle the Blues’ momentum, despite the opposition having one less man.
And later in the match, Rice added a threat in connecting play to the frontline, showcasing that other side to his game.
The battle of Caicedo vs Rice promised to be a blockbuster. In the end, Rice won by default.
Moises Caicedo's red card meant we didn't properly get to watch his battle with Declan Rice
Saka edges out Cucurella
Right from the off, Marc Cucurella hunted Bukayo Saka like a gazelle fixated on its prey.
He hacked the winger down after three minutes before committing three more fouls before half-time.
The Spaniard was fuelled with confidence after a man-of-the-match display against Barcelona in midweek, expertly marshalling Lamine Yamal on that night.
Yet, this time around, Saka had the edge. He weathered the early storm and took advantage of Cucurella being on a yellow card after 11 minutes to keep attacking his man, knowing one further foul would likely result in a red.
The England winger’s perfect cross, curling into the area for Mikel Merino to nod home, earned Arsenal a point in the end.
Bukayo Saka showed signs of being back to his best when up against Marc Cucurella
Though it was his resilience to comeback from his legs being hacked away by Cucurella that deserves the recognition, too.
Saka kept going and going, even when his team looked to be getting overran across the pitch.
He has hit his optimal heights since his return from a hamstring injury in September - and more is to come.
On the evidence of his battle with Cucurella, Saka is inching towards showing his further gears.
