Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea managed a draw in opposition to final season’s Premier League runners-up Arsenal, in a tightly contested 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring within the sixtieth minute earlier than Chelsea’s Pedro Neto fired again within the seventieth minute.

The Blues held 49% of the ball, however did handle 17 pictures, producing 1.28 xG, and creating one huge likelihood.

In the meantime, the Gunners had barely extra of the ball with 51% possession, taking fewer pictures than Chelsea with 13, producing a decrease xG of 0.99, however creating 4 huge probabilities.

The speaking level of the sport, among the many sensible tactical battle between Maresca and Mikel Arteta, was the great strike from Neto, equalising for Chelsea and making it a extra attention-grabbing finish to the sport.

Pedro Neto’s efficiency vs Arsenal

Neto scored his fourth purpose of the season, now making 15 appearances for the Blues since becoming a member of in the summertime from Wolves for a charge of round £51.4m, plus £2.6m in add-ons.

The 24-year-old has already began a number of video games on both wing for the Blues now, taking part in for granted and left winger, offering three assists alongside his targets for his teammates. However Sunday afternoon’s efficiency by the Portugal worldwide was sensible all spherical.

Alongside scoring the purpose, Neto made two key passes, accomplished three of his 4 crosses, took three pictures, and gained three of his six floor duels, working arduous to trace again and do his bit on the defensive finish too.

His all-round high quality was key on this recreation, typically isolating the full-back out vast, and discovering house to have an effect on the sport.

But it surely wasn’t simply Neto who impressed for Chelsea, as there have been some high defensive performances too, considered one of which got here from the French defender, Wesley Fofana, who was in high kind on the evening.

Wesley Fofana’s wonderful efficiency

Fofana was given a 7/10 match ranking by The Commonplace after taking part in a pivotal half on this 1-1 draw, exhibiting his athleticism, power, and restoration tempo in opposition to the Gunners frontline.

The 23-year-old has struggled for health up to now few seasons at Chelsea, spending lengthy spells on the sidelines. Nevertheless, up to now this time period, the previous Leicester man has managed ten Premier League appearances, totalling 867 minutes.

Fofana gained 100% of his duels, dealing very well with balls in behind, being aggressive on Kai Havertz to cease him turning, and guaranteeing Chelsea had been strong in and across the field.

Even when the ball did break within the space, Fofana was fast to the scene, making six clearances and making a block.

However he was additionally necessary in build-up, recycling play, making correct passes across the again and into the Chelsea pivot of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, in addition to driving ahead at occasions to maintain Arsenal guessing, finishing 100% of his dribbles within the recreation too.

Fofana is clearly a wonderful defensive profile, and if Chelsea can hold him match alongside Levi Colwill, the Blues have a well-balanced duo forming between the pair, with the Frenchman’s aggression and duel-winning skill, alongside the protecting mentality and excessive IQ of his English colleague.

Associated

Neglect Enzo: Chelsea could have the subsequent Lampard who’s shining out on mortgage

Chelsea have already got themselves an enormous expertise on their arms.