Pedro Neto’s strike cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener as Arsenal were held to a tense 1-1 draw at Chelsea, leaving both sides nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Enzo Maresca's side were boosted by the news Cole Palmer was fit to start and the England international was straight into the action. However, his strike from 25 yards was brilliantly tipped over by David Raya

The home side were creating the better chances. Noni Madueke glanced a header wide at the far post before Malo Gusto missed the best opportunity of the half. Pedro Neto's cross picked out the full-back but he could only plant his header over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.

Arsenal, who had Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice back in the starting XI, grew into the half and Martinelli's shot was kept out by Robert Sanchez, before the Gunners thought they had the lead.

Chelsea switched off as Rice's quick free-kick released Kai Havertz into the penalty area and the former Chelsea forward finished into the bottom corner. However, the Arsenal celebrations were cut short after a VAR check correctly ruled the goal out for offside against the Gunners striker.

The tense atmosphere continued after the break and the hosts were close to the opener when Wesley Fofana escaped the attentions of William Saliba before lifting the ball onto the roof of the net.

Arsenal led on the hour after Odegaard's cross was converted by Martinelli at the far post, but Neto's strike 10 minutes later brought the visitors level.

Both sides pushed for a winner and the best chance fell to Arsenal. Odegaard's pass released Saliba into an advanced position and the defender's cut back picked out Trossard inside the six-yard box. However, the forward miscued his effort, sending the ball wide and taking it off the toes of Havertz, who was in a better position to score.

It left both sides with a point and moved them into the top four. However, the result leaves Arsenal with plenty to do if they are to end their wait for a first Premier League title since 2003/04.

Could Trossard's miss be decisive in Premier League title race?

Sky Sports' Zinny Boswell:

"We always talk about moments in title races.

"That felt like a bit of a moment for Arsenal.

"There is, of course, plenty of time to catch up the ground on Liverpool, but the win was right there for the taking.

"In the end, it's a tough way for the game to end. Arteta's reaction illustrated just how important the three points would have been heading into the break."

'Arsenal need to go on a run'

Sky Sports' Paul Merson:

"It's hard for Arsenal. They have a bullseye on their back.

"They are a big team and everybody wants to beat them.

"I find that their confidence is a little bit low at the moment. It wasn't free-flowing against Chelsea and when your confidence goes, not everyone wants the ball. When they are in full flow, everybody is moving. It's like the Red Arrows.

"Against Chelsea, when Partey, Rice and Odegaard had the ball, there wasn't a lot of options. There aren't five or six passes on.

"Arsenal have to go on a run now. They have to find some consistency. They can do it, they can reel off five or six wins on the spin and they are going to have to do it to get back in the title mix."

Teams

Chelsea Sanchez; Gusto (James 82), Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia (Fernandez 68), Caicedo (c); Madueke (Mudryk 68), Palmer, Neto; Jackson (Nkunku 88)
Subs Not Used Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Veiga, Felix
Booked Colwill, Neto, Madueke, Cucurella
Goals Neto 70

Arsenal Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice (Merino 71), Odegaard (c); Saka (Jesus 81), Martinelli (Trossard 71), Havertz
Subs Not Used Neto, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Jorginho, Nwaneri
Booked White, Havertz
Goals Martinelli 60

Attendance

Referee Michael Oliver

VAR Paul Tierney