LONDON – Ten-man Chelsea held on for a 1-1 draw at Liverpool after Reece James’ controversial dismissal, while Mikel Arteta urged his Arsenal flops to “look in the mirror” after a dismal 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City in the English Premier League.
European champions Chelsea took the lead through Kai Havertz’s looping header from James’s corner in the 22nd minute.
But a hard-fought clash of title contenders turned when James was sent off in first half stoppage-time.
The Chelsea defender, stationed on the goal-line, blocked Sadio Mane’s effort with his thigh and then his arm after Joel Matip’s header had hit the bar.
Referee Anthony Taylor was advised to check with the pitchside monitor and he awarded a penalty before sending off James for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Chelsea complained furiously but Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert the spot-kick before another angry protest from Blues defender Antonio Rudiger and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy sparked a penalty area melee.
Liverpool dominated the second half but Chelsea defended superbly, with Mendy making several fine saves.
Both sides remain unbeaten after seeing their 100 per cent records come to an end in what was the first chapter of what should be a gripping title race.
Arsenal has lost their first three league games and are yet to score a goal this term.
Arteta’s side sit bottom of the league after their worst start to a season since 1954 as pressure mounts on their under-fire boss.
Arteta’s switch to a back three failed to halt a slick City attack that suggested they are more than capable of defending their Premier League title this season despite missing out on Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the floodgates before Ferran Torres pounced on shocking Arsenal defending to double City’s lead inside 12 minutes.
Arsenal’s task was made even harder when Granit Xhaka needlessly lunged at Joao Cancelo and was shown a straight red card.
Gabriel Jesus made it 3-0 before halftime before Rodrigo and Torres, with his second of the afternoon, rounded off the scoring.
“I’m really disappointed with the things that happened on the pitch and the summary after three games, losing all of them, doesn’t make it any easier,” Arteta said according to AFP.
“It is time to reflect and look in the mirror, each of us, and try to change the dynamic straight away because we need to pick up results.”
Despite Arteta’s woes, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insisted Arsenal should keep faith with his former assistant.
“I love him, we love him,” Guardiola said. “The period we worked together, these two or three seasons was a key point to build what we now have.
“I know, completely, his talent. I am pretty sure the moment will come when everything will be back and he will do a job because he is an excellent manager.”
Everton beat Brighton 2-0 to extend their unbeaten start under former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
A controversial appointment to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the close-season due to his Anfield links, Benitez is winning over his new fans after goals from Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the south coast.
After failing to win his first two league games in charge of Crystal Palace, while also crashing out of the League Cup in midweek, Arsenal and France legend Patrick Vieira watched his team earn a creditable 2-2 draw at in-form West Ham.
Pablo Fornals and Michail Antonio twice put West Ham ahead, with Conor Gallagher netting both goals for Palace.
Promoted Brentford remain unbeaten after a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney got the opener and Emi Buendia scored his first Villa goal to equalise.
Southampton snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw at Newcastle thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s stoppage-time equaliser.
The Magpies took the lead 10 minutes into the second half through Callum Wilson before Mohamed Elyounoussi levelled for the visitors.
Allan Saint-Maximin looked to have won it from close range in the 90th minute, but Ward-Prowse converted from the spot.
Discussion about this post