[Getty Images]Pat Nevin - Former footballer and presenterTue, December 2, 2025 at 3:37 PM UTC·1 min readArsenal first smashed Spurs then belittled Bayern Munich last week but even though they sat at the top of the table when they turned up at Stamford Bridge, it still felt like it could be a defining afternoon.
In reality Arsenal looked jaded in comparison to the rest of the season even when Chelsea went down to 10 men in the first half. The usually tireless Declan Rice was strangely subdued, though Reece James did play him brilliantly. Rice was almost certainly being asked to cover the stand in centre-backs but it curtailed their dynamism in attack.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Gunners need some of their injured players back soon - and for those who are fit to return to their peak levels.
What the afternoon underlined more than anything is that it isn't going to be a stroll to the title. Even this grafting, ugly point might turn out to be huge in the fullness of time.
It is hardly a disaster getting a point at a fast-improving Chelsea, especially after the week they have had, but we all watched Liverpool crash after a brilliant start. The concern is still there in the background for Arsenal fans every time there is an under-par performance.
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