Arsenal failed to take full advantage of Chelsea being reduced to 10-men in their Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge as they were held to a 1-1 draw.
The Gunners, looking to extend their lead over Man City to seven points, were outplayed in the first half despite a couple of decent chances for Bukayo Saka.
Chelsea were playing with a confident physicality and that was epitomised by Moises Caicedo’s lunging tackle on Mikel Merino. He timed the challenge slightly wrong and landed on the forward’s ankle earning himself a red card after a VAR review.
Instead of retreating after the break Chelsea took the game to Arsenal and went ahead through Trevoh Chalobah’s headed effort piling a mountain of pressure on the league leaders.
Merino limited the damage with a header of his own but Arsenal will come away knowing they’ve let two points slip at Stamford Bridge.
Relive the updates from Stamford Bridge below:
Chelsea vs Arsenal live
- Chelsea draw with Arsenal in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
- 59' GOAL! Merino heads in equaliser for Arsenal (CHE 1-1 ARS)
- 48' GOAL! Chalobah flicks a headr into the bottom corner (CHE 1-0 ARS)
- 45' SAVE! Sanchez denies Martinelli with a strong hand (CHE 0-0 ARS)
- 38' RED CARD! Caicedo sent off for dangerous tackle on Merino (CHE 0-0 ARS)
- 13' SAVE! Sanchez sticks out a leg to deny Saka (CHE 0-0 ARS)
Enzo Maresca’s simple rallying message shows Chelsea have learnt from previous setbacks
20:35 , Mike JonesAt half-time, shortly after Moises Caicedo had gone for a justified red card, Enzo Maresca had a single simple message for his Chelsea squad.
“We need to double the effort.”
They did that, and very much matched Arsenal’s extra man in an intensive 1-1 draw, but also multiplied their effectiveness with 10 players on the pitch.
Maresca’s simple rallying message shows Chelsea have learnt from previous setbacks
Enzo Maresca on the red card
19:32 , Mike JonesThe Chelsea manager said: "I think he red card is the red card. I struggle to understand the different ways to judge. What about Bentancur to Reece? Why is one a red card and one isn't? I think it's a red card tonight, it's clear. Why the difference? Is what it is.
"Moises is always the same way. Top player for us. The desire from him is to try and win the game.
"It's football. It's between Chelsea and Arsenal.
"You have to double the effort, that is the most important thing. We didn't change a lot on the ball. We tried to go to Liam. In open play, the idea was exactly the same.
"I think we are better than last season. We are closer. We'll see where we are in February and March and then we'll assess our target.”
Should Arsenal have won?
19:27 , Mike JonesArsenal failed to win a Premier League game in which their opponents received a first-half red card for the first time since August 2010 against Liverpool, a 1-1 draw with Joe Cole sent off.
Not a great performance from Arsenal
19:22 , Mike JonesArsenal managed just eight shots, their fewest in a Premier League game since October 2024 at Bournemouth.
Meanwhile Chelsea had 11 shots, the most Arsenal have faced in a Premier League game since the opening day against Manchester United.
More from Arteta
19:18 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal boss added: "It's very tricky. They have a lot of experienced players with big personalities. They know what they are doing and who to target. We have to play all those within the game. In the end we scored, we had two massive chances as well to score and we didn't.
"I don't know the right words because I'm disappointed obviously with not getting the three points against 10 men. But with everything that happened in the week, I think overall I just have to be very proud of what the team has done."
Post match thoughts from Enzo Fernandez
19:13 , Mike JonesThe Chelsea midfielder said: "I think we showed we are heading in the right direction. I always say the same. The performance has been fantastic. We were a much better team than them 11 v 11 but with 10 players, it is difficult but we dealt with it outstandingly.
"11 v 11, we were better than them. We tried to exploit the best solution, the best space. We knew the space was for Malo and Estevao on that side. Tonight we can be happy even if we didn't win.”
Arteta sums up the game
19:08 , Mike Jones"A really tough one. Two teams that play with a lot of intensity and aggression, you could sense it in every tackle,” Mikel Arteta assessed after the game.
“The game settled and after the red card, we needed to settle and make the judgement but we conceded a foul and a goal. Two top teams fighting for the Premier League so it's normal.
"We had four players with yellow cards and you could see they were targeting those players. The first action in the section half, we conceded and we had to get through that. We scored a brilliant goal. We had two or three big chances.
"They are a really good team. They've scored seven goals from corners, we've scored eight.”
Merino on handling Stamford Bridge atmosphere
19:03 , Mike JonesMore from Merino who spoke to Match of the Day.
He said: "It's a London derby so it's always passionate. The red card tackle was harsh and a really tough one. What you expect in this league and what you expect in this ground, this is a grown up game and you've got to step up in this game.
"It's been a massive week for us. We showed a lot of character, a lot of good resilience during this week with the short amount of time for recovery.
“Every player has been amazing and hopefully we can extend that to the rest of the season."
Merino on scoring from crosses
18:58 , Mike Jones"It's something we train every day and try to position ourselves on the blind side of the defenders,” Merino explained when asked why Arsenal are strong when crossing the ball.
“When you train with each other every day, you know your strengths and weaknesses.
"This is the Premier League. It's very strong and it's why you see so many transitions.
“If you win a duel, then you can attack the box."
Merino on Caicedo's challenge
18:54 , Mike JonesMikel Merino was the player on the receiving end of Caicedo’s red card challenge and he explained how it felt.
"I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body,” he explained.
“I wasn’t concerned about myself. I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card.”
Merino reacts to draw with Chelsea
18:50 , Mike JonesArsenal’s goalscorer Mikel Merino said: "On one hand, disappointed because we didn't win. When you wear this shirt, you want to win every game.
“This is a really tough stadium to come and take a point. We could have done things better but the team showed good mentality.
"Maybe managing the game better and understanding what they were trying to do. With 10 men, we could have had more patience with the ball.
“Trying to find the wings and cross with players in the box. Obviously, they are a good side.”
As things stand
18:49 , Mike JonesArsenal remain top of the Premier League table have a five point lead over closest rivals Manchester City.
Chelsea sit third and are six points back but they’ll feel good about taking a point off the Gunners today.
The title race is still in the hands of Mikel Arteta’s men but he’ll know that things can change quickly when his side doesn’t win.
FT Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:33 , Mike JonesJust looking around the pitch after the full time whistle it is clear that Chelsea are more proud of the point then Arsenal.
The Blues played about 55 minutes with 10-men and managed to secure a draw and take points off the Gunners.
Moises Caicedo’s red card was a big turning point in the game.
Full-time! Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:28 , Mike JonesThe whistle goes and the points are shared at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal remain unbeaten since August but the players look disheartened at the result.
They played mainly against 10-men and couldn’t get the job done.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:22 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four added minutes to play at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:21 , Mike Jones88 mins: Save!
Merino has the chance to three points for Arsenal and drills a shot from just inside the box.
Sanchez leaps down to his left and keeps the effort out before scrambling and leaping on the ball.
Gyokeres tries to beat him to the loose ball and clatters into the goalkeeper but arrives second. He earns a yellow card for the effort.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:19 , Mike Jones86 mins: Enzo Fernandez takes a shot on the edge of the box but is closed down.
Chelsea recover the ball but Gusto wild cross can’t be retrieved by Garnacho before it bounces out of play.
Just a couple of minutes left in the 90.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:16 , Mike Jones85 mins: Arsenal will feels worse if this match remains as it is.
They’ve played the majority of the match with the advantage of an extra player and Chelsea not sitting deep trying to defend.
Madueke over runs the ball and there’s a loud cheer as he pokes it out of play at the byline.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:13 , Mike Jones82 mins: Tempers are heating up as time ticks out of the game.
Reece James gets on the ball and shields it from Merino who then commits a foul.
The game is still there to be won by one of this sides but can either of them get over the line?
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:10 , Mike Jones79 mins: Garnacho goes down under a tackel from Timber and wins a free kick.
The Arsenal defender is a frustrated man out there and hasn’t quite been up to his best today.
The Chelsea free kick is sent into the box and Fernandez nods it down to Fofana whose shot on the turn is blocked.
The ball eventually drops to Delap who drills a decent chance at goal only for Raya to smother it!
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:08 , Mike Jones76 mins: Declan Rice flicks a pass over the Chelsea defence and finds Saka.
Saka pokes a shot at goal but Sanchez is there to scoop it up.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:05 , Mike Jones73 mins: Viktor Gyokeres comes on to replace Ebere Eze for Arsenal.
Can the forward have a positive impact at the latter end of this match?
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
18:03 , Mike Jones70 mins: 20 minutes to play at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho brings down a diagonal ball and darts inside before slipping it to Cucurella on the overlap.
The defender lofts the ball into the box where Pedro Neto leaps but can’t get a head to it.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
17:58 , Mike Jones66 mins: Arsenal have responded well to going behind but there is still belief in Chelsea and they haven’t stopped attacking.
The Blues look threatening and are getting men into the box.
Garnacho’s cross is aimed at Delap but gets intercepted and cleared away.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
17:56 , Mike Jones63 mins: Pedri Neto tries to inspire the crowd as he strides over to take a corner kick for Chelsea.
The delivery comes to the near post where Rice’s clearance hits Cucurella and deflects the ball out of play.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (Mikel Merino, 59')
17:53 , Mike JonesEqualiser!
Bukayo Saka makes this goal as he advances into the right side of the box.
He shakes off a tackle and lifts the ball into the six-yard area where Mikel Merino gets to it first and nods Arsenal level!
Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal
17:52 , Mike Jones58 mins: Martin Odegaard is brought onto the pitch to replace Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal.
Noni Madueke also comes on and receives a less than warm reception from the fans of his former club. Madueke replaces Gabriel Martinelli.
Half an hour to play in this clash.
Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal
17:49 , Mike Jones57 mins: The hosts win another corner and this one is better defended by Arsenal.
There’s a physicality to this match and Chelsea are getting the better of it right now.
Mikel Arteta is prepping changes of his own.
Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal
17:48 , Mike Jones54 mins: Myles Lewis-Skelly is the latest player to get put into the book for a body check on Joao Pedro.
Pedro is then taken off by Enzo Maresca and Liam Delap is brought on.
Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal
17:43 , Mike Jones51 mins: Can Arsenal respond to that goal?
In theory they should have most of the possession in this half as they have the extra man.
Can Mikel Arteta’s men make a comeback against their London rivals?
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal (Trevoh Chalobah, 48')
17:40 , Mike JonesWow!
Chelsea’s corner kick, following Raya’s save, is swung in to the near post by Reece James.
Trevoh Chalobah leaps up highest and wins the header. He flicks it on and finds the far bottom corner!
The 10-men Blues lead.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:39 , Mike Jones47 mins: Reece James floats a free kick into the box for Chelsea and picks out Joao Pedro.
He nods the ball towards goal only for David Raya to flap it wide of the target!
Second half! Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:37 , Mike JonesEnzo Maresca makes a change at the break with Alejandro Garnacho replacing Estevao for Chelsea.
Chelsea get the ball rolling again at Stamford Bridge. Can they keep Arsenal at bay?
HT Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:31 , Mike JonesCaicedo’s red card is the seventh of the season for Chelsea including one for manager Enzo Maresca.
The lack of discipline from the Blues has been an issue throughout the season and it could cost them the chance to cut the gap on Arsenal to just three points.
HT Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:26 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:21 , Mike Jones45+5 mins: Nothing to separate the two teams in terms of scoreline but Chelsea are down to 10-men.
Arsenal will feel the game is now there to be won and should show more intent in the second half.
They can extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points if they win.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:16 , Mike Jones45 mins: Five minutes of added time to play.
Declan Rice bombs forward with the ball before pulling a pass back into the feet of Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli shoots first time but Robert Sanchez leaps to his right and keeps out the effort.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:14 , Mike Jones43 mins: Hincapie leaps for the ball at the same time as Chalobah and it’s the Chelsea man who takes an unintended elbow to the face.
Hincapie gets off with a warning but Chelsea want greater punishment, especially after the Caicedo red card.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:10 , Mike Jones41 mins: That decision could have big ramifications on the outcome of this match.
Chelsea were the more aggressive team and lloked the more likely to score.
If they come away from Stamford Bridge with a point or better it’ll be a fine result.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:08 , Mike Jones38 mins: RED CARD!
Anthony Taylor shows Caicedo a yellow card after the midfielder recovers. He’s then sent to the pitchside monitor to look at the replay.
The referee sees Caicedo land on Merino’s ankle and he changes his decision to a red!
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:06 , Mike Jones35 mins: Moises Caicedo lunges into a tackle on Mikel Merino and lands on his left ankle.
Both players go down and are seemingly in pain.
There is a VAR check taking place to see whether the Chelsea man should be given a red card.
It wouldn’t be surprising if he is...
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:02 , Mike Jones33 mins: Estevao continues to be a big threat for Chelsea.
He cuts inside from the right again but this time rolls the ball to Fernandez.
He shoots from the edge of the area and fizzes the effort wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
17:01 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played in London and no goals yet.
Only a smattering of opportunities as well with those being spurned.
Piero Hincapie is shrugged off the ball by Joao Pedro who has to shoot. Instead he tries to lay it off to Enzo Fernandez but only manages to turn the ball too far past his teammate and the chance goes begging.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:54 , Mike Jones24 mins: Estevao once again manages to squeeze into the box from the right but chips a pass into the hands of Raya when trying to pick out a teammate on the opposite side of the box.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:53 , Mike Jones21 mins: Chelsea are the ones pushing furthest up the pitch at present. They’re controlling the ball and picking their moments to get into the box.
Estevao attempts to play in an underlapping run from Malo Gusto but the pass is too heavy and the ball runs out of play.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:50 , Mike Jones18 mins: Estevao is one of Chelsea’s players of the season so far.
He’s fearless and confident. The winger receives the ball out on the right side of the pitch.
He dances inside and smokes a left-footed effort towards the goal only managing to ping it high and wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:43 , Mike Jones15 mins: Save! Ebere Eze flicks the ball out to the right side of the penalty area where it’s collected by Saka.
He rolls the ball onto his right foot and shoots but Robert Sanchez sticks out a leg to deny him!
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Mike Jones12 mins: Cucurella slides in with another strong challenge on Saka.
This is a bit forceful and the Chelsea defender collects a yellow card.
Saka saw the challenge coming and rode the tackle well. The booking should give him more space to operate in now.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:40 , Mike Jones9 mins: Both teams are trying to get control of the ball and dictate the pace of the game.
It’s a bit slow at the minute with the occasional burst of energy through midfield. Not much action in either final third.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Mike Jones6 mins: Bukayo Saka is clattered by Marc Cucurella who announces his intentions for marking the winger with a heavy tackle.
Cucurella then wins a throw in off Saka as he comes forward but loses control of the ball.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:32 , Mike Jones3 mins: Raya is put under pressure by Joao Pedro but manages to feed the ball into the middle of the pitch where Mikel Merino is fouled.
Free kick to Arsenal.
Kick off! Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
16:30 , Mike JonesDeclan Rice kicks things off at Stamford Bridge and sends the ball back to David Raya.
The goalkeeper works it over to the right wing where Arsenal win a throw in.
Almost time for kick off
16:29 , Mike JonesThis is a huge match.
Chelsea have put themselves in contention to challenge for the title this year but Arsenal have a four point lead at the top of the table.
Chelsea can cut that to three and leapfrog Man City in second if they win today.
But how will this match play out? Let’s find out...
Chelsea vs Arsenal
16:24 , Mike JonesChelsea have opened the scoring in each of their last seven Premier League games. It’s their longest run of scoring first since April 2024 (also 7), a run that was ended by a 5-0 loss against Arsenal.
Maresca on Arsenal
16:10 , Chris WilsonAnd Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had this to say about the game:
“For sure is different to one year ago. We spend one more year together. We went through a moment where we can learn from that moment. But it is still very early. Important to be where we are now in March, April and then we will see.
"I can understand we are talking about last year. But these players in 17, 18 months together show they can beat [top] teams. Premier League last year we had some good moments against good teams. This season, we compete always. Sometimes can win, sometimes can't, but important we compete against any team."
"It is another big game. We won against Barcelona, was a good feeling. If it is bigger than last one? I don't know, they are all important games. For sure, beating Barcelona, or if we can beat Arsenal, it is a nice feeling but it is still three points the same,” he added.
Arteta on Chelsea
16:02 , Chris WilsonSpeaking in his pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said that today is “a big game, it is a big London derby”.
“They are in really good form. We know the challenge and the opportunity we have on Sunday, so we are fully ready.
“We are all there. They are there because they fully deserve everything they have done in last few years.
“For us it is [the biggest game yet] because it is the next game. We live in the present and give the best possible preparation to win the game,” he added.
Match stats
15:55 , Chris WilsonArsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been involved in more Premier League goals against Chelsea than any other opponent, with two goals and five assists.
Elsewhere, Leandro Trossard has only scored more Premier League goals against Liverpool (with six) than he has against the Blues (four). The Belgian’s next goal will be his 50th in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta: Chelsea fully deserve to be talked about for Premier League title
15:40 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes second-placed Chelsea “fully deserve” to be put in the conversation to win the Premier League title.
Leaders Arsenal make the short trip across the capital to Stamford Bridgeon Sunday eager to finish off a busy seven-day period in perfect fashion.
After a 4-1 thumping of Tottenham was followed by a statement 3-1 success over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, Arteta has backed his team to once again meet expectations, but does not buy conjecture that Chelsea are not in the title race.
Mikel Arteta: Chelsea fully deserve to be talked about for Premier League title
History on Arsenal's side
15:35 , Mike JonesThis is just the fifth time Arsenal have faced Chelsea while top of the table in the Premier League, with the Gunners winning each of the previous four.
Chelsea vs Arsenal
15:30 , Mike JonesHaving lost six of their seven Premier League away games against Chelsea between 2013 and 2018 (D1), Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last six visits to Stamford Bridge (W3 D3).
Can Chelsea beat Arsenal?
15:24 , Mike JonesChelsea have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Arsenal (D3 L7) and are winless in seven (D2 L5) since a 2-0 win at the Emirates in August 2021.
Arsenal team to take on Chelsea
15:18 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 30, 2025
🧱 Hincapie partners Mosquera
💪 Calafiori in at left-back
⚡️ Martinelli on the wing
Leave it all out there, Gunners! 👊
Chelsea team to face Arsenal
15:16 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Caicedo, Estevao, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro
The Blues. 🔵#CFC | #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/GaBXpW75yL
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 30, 2025
Team news
15:05 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be released in the next 10 minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Cole Palmer is able to start against Arsenal after two months out, Enzo Maresca said, but whether the England international returns straight into the starting line-up remains to be seen, especially given the selection headache the Chelsea boss now faces given the form of Estevao.
Leandro Trossard has a “chance” of being available despite picking up a knock against Bayern Munich in midweek. While Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are back, this should come too soon for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Gabriel Magalhaes will be out for another couple of weeks.
Head-to-head
14:55 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 195 times in the past, with Arsenal winning 77, Chelsea winning 62 and 56 ending as draws.
Last season, this fixture produced a 1-1 draw with goals from Pedro Neto and Gabriel Martineli, before the Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at the Emirates in March.
Match stats
14:43 , Chris WilsonChelsea have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Arsenal (D3 L7) and are winless in seven (D2 L5) since a 2-0 win at the Emirates in August 2021.
Despite having lost six of their seven Premier League away games against Chelsea between 2013 and 2018, Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last six visits to Stamford Bridge, winning three and drawing three.
Mikel Arteta responds to Joshua Kimmich claim that Arsenal ‘rely on set pieces’
14:30 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta laughed off Joshua Kimmich’s comments following Arsenal’s win over Bayern Munich after the German midfielder complained the Gunners “rely on set pieces” and “love to play long balls”.
Arsenal enjoyed an impressive 3-1 win over the German champions in the Champions League on Wednesday but Kimmich’s post-match criticism, in which he said Arsenal were not the best team Bayern had faced this season, caused a stir.
The defeat was Bayern’s first of the season and while Kimmich praised Arsenal for the victory, he said Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain gave them more of a “football game” when the met at the Parc des Princes earlier this month.
Mikel Arteta responds to Joshua Kimmich claim that Arsenal ‘rely on set pieces’
Match stats
14:07 , Chris WilsonJust 43.5 per cent of Chelsea’s Premier League points this season have come in home games (10/23).
Arteta’s first defeat as Arsenal manager came against Chelsea in his second game in charge in December 2019. Despite this, the Spaniard has the third highest Premier League win rate against the Blues (58.3 per cent - 7/12) of any manager to take charge of 10+ games against them, behind Pep Guardiola and Kenny Dalglish.
‘Special’ Declan Rice has even more to offer Arsenal – Mikel Arteta
14:00 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta believes there is more to come from Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice ahead of Sunday’s battle with Chelsea’s formidable duo Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
The trio cost more than £300million overall with each signed for a nine-figure fee and amongst the best players in the Premier League this season.
Rice this week revealed he voted for Caicedo in his 2024-25 team of the year as debate over the better player rumbles on, but Arteta backed the England international to go up another level despite an impressive level of consistency over the past 12 months.
‘Special’ Declan Rice has even more to offer Arsenal – Mikel Arteta
Match stats
13:50 , Chris WilsonThis is just the fifth time Arsenal have faced Chelsea while top of the Premier League table, with the Gunners winning each of the previous four – most recently a 5-0 in April 2024.
Mikel Arteta claims online Arsenal fan petition convinced him to sign Noni Madueke
13:40 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has revealed that an online petition, launched in response to Arsenal’s pursuit of Noni Madueke in the summer, unexpectedly strengthened his resolve to sign the former Chelsea winger.
Madueke is set to make his first return to Stamford Bridge this Sunday since his cross-London move, where a hostile reception is anticipated for the 23-year-old.
The England attacker initially faced significant opposition from Arsenal supporters in July when his transfer was first rumoured.
Mikel Arteta claims online Arsenal fan petition convinced him to sign Noni Madueke
Mikel Arteta shares Leandro Trossard injury update ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea
13:25 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has revealed there is a “chance” Leandro Trossard is fit to face Chelsea on Sunday as leaders Arsenal prepare to travel to Stamford Bridge for a top-of-the-table Premier League clash.
Trossard scored the opening goal of Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham last weekend as the Gunners went six points clear at the top of the table but the forward then took a knock in the win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta shares Leandro Trossard injury update ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea
Cole Palmer available to make injury return against Arsenal in major Chelsea boost
13:10 , Chris WilsonCole Palmer is available to his long-awaited return from injury against Premier League leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as Enzo Maresca welcomed back Chelsea’s “best player”.
Palmer has only made four appearances for the Blues this season and has been sidelined for the past two months due a groin injury. He also suffered a set-back after fracturing his toe in a freak injury at home.
The 23-year-old missed Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday but the England international has trained this week, wearing a special boot, and Maresca he is available to start against Arsenal.
Cole Palmer available to make injury return against Arsenal in major Chelsea boost
When is Chelsea v Arsenal?
12:55 , Chris WilsonThe Premier League match will kick off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 30 November at Stamford Bridge.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, following the previous match between West Ham and Liverpool.
Predicted line-ups
12:45 , Chris WilsonChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Neto
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie; Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Arsenal team news
12:36 , Chris WilsonLeandro Trossard has a “chance” of being available despite picking up a knock against Bayern Munich in midweek. While Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are back, this should come too soon for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Gabriel Magalhaes will be out for another couple of weeks.
Chelsea team news
12:33 , Chris WilsonCole Palmer is able to start against Arsenal after two months out, Enzo Maresca said, but whether the England international returns straight into the starting line-up remains to be seen, especially given the selection headache the Chelsea boss now faces given the form of Estevao.
Good afternoon
12:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s match between Chelsea and Arsenal.
The Gunners head to the Bridge for a top-of-the-table Premier League clash as they look to extend their early advantage in the title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side entered the weekend with a six-point lead over second-placed Chelsea after last weekend’s thumping win over Tottenham was coupled with defeats for Manchester City and another loss for sinking Liverpool.
Arsenal then followed that up by beating Bayern Munich 3-1 win on Wednesday night to rise to the top of the Champions League standings. But Chelsea also had a statement win in midweek as they crushed 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, in a win that was lit up by 18-year-old star Estevao.
Enzo Maresca’s side could propel themselves into title contention if they end Arsenal’s winning run and cut their lead to just three points - and the Blues could welcome back their “best player” Cole Palmer after missing the last two months due to injury.
But the title may feel that it is already in Arsenal’s hands if they defeat their London rivals and emerge from Stamford Bridge with three precious points.
