Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal as it happened: Pedro Neto earns draw in London derby

‘We wanted to win, but we knew we had hard work in front of us because they are a good team. We came to win, so we’re not as happy as we wanted to be, but we didn’t want to lose and it’s a good point against a good team.

‘We read the game well. We had moments we could have been better but we’ve done a good job and we want to keep improving at this level.

‘I am really happy to help the team. This is a group that works really hard each day. I work every day to improve, I’m trying to improve and go to my best level.’

It may not be a win but Chelsea will end a day in the top three places of the Premier League table for the first time since the final day of the 2021-22 season.

A very solid start under new boss Maresca.

So, as we head into the international break it is Liverpool who are five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Manchester City trail in second, while Chelsea and Arsenal round out the top five on 19 points – nine behind Arne Slot’s Reds. Work to do for both of them after Christmas.

Recovered from that last minute miss yet?

If so, take a look at how Metro rated the performances of each player from today’s 1-1 draw.

A huge chance for Arsenal but it ends a draw. On the balance of play that probably feels far but the Gunners will no doubt be rueing that late miss.

90+5 mins: HOW HAS THAT NOT GONE IN!

A huge chance for Arsenal with the last kick of the game. Trossard gets a deft touch on Saliba’s low cross in from the left side but he can’t divert it on target.

Havertz looked primed to pounce but the Belgian’s touch just took it away from the Arsenal striker at the far post. Arteta falls to his knees in frustration on the sidelines.

90+4 mins: A great interception and surging run from Cucurella is brought to a half cynically by Odegaard who is shown a yellow card for the foul.

90+3 mins: Saliba rises well inside the box but the offside flag is raised as the Arsenal centre-back tries to direct a header on goal.

90 mins: Into extra-time we go. Five minutes to be played – will there be any late drama?

88 mins: Nkunku comes on for Jackson as Chelsea roll the dice one final time.

87 mins: A nervy feel inside Stamford Bridge as we approach the 90th minute which only grows as a huge change for Arsenal goes begging. Sanchez makes a good reflex save to before Trossard blazes over from close range while off balance.

83 mins: Bodies jumping everywhere inside the Arsenal box but in the end it is Jackson who heads it harmlessly into the gloves of Raya.

82 mins: Chelsea respond with a change of their own as James replaces Gusto for the final ten minutes.

81 mins: Some concern for Arsenal now as Saka stays down after a hefty challenge from Cucurella who is booked for his part in it. The Gunners winger is back up on his feet but he will make way as Jesus replaces him.

79 mins: The first involvement for Trossard off the bench but the Belgian sees his effort blocked as he tries to create space cutting onto his right foot inside the box.

77 mins: Neto has been a livewire since moving over to this right side. The Portuguese winger cuts inside but sees his effort blocked on this occasion.

75 mins: OFFSIDE! Jackson cooly slots past Raya but the offside flag goes up straight away. Jackson knew it too.

72 mins: Almost an instant impact off the bench for Merino but he just can’t reach the cross from Saka with his outstretched boot.