Tony Mogan
Published November 30, 2025 7:54pm
Updated November 30, 2025 7:54pm
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Caicedo was sent off after 38 minutes (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal star Mikel Merino believes he was lucky a ‘horrible’ challenge from Moises Caicedo didn’t injure him during a feisty London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues held the Premier League leaders to a 1-1 draw in west London on Sunday evening despite losing one of their key man in the first half.
Chelsea were reduced to 10 men after 38 minutes after Caicedo launched a wild and reckless challenge on Merino.
With his studs raised and his leg straight, the Ecuador international caught the Gunners midfielder cleanly on the ankle with Anthony Taylor initially brandishing the yellow card.
But after a VAR review, that was quickly upgraded to a red with Caicedo sent on his way.
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Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Merino said he immediately expected the Chelsea star to be sent off.
‘I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body,’ Merino said.
Merino was left in real pain following Caicedo’s challenge (Picture: Getty)
‘I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card.’
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Merino also confirmed he has not spoken to Caicedo after the incident or after the game.’
Metro at the Match: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Trevor Chalboh headed Chelsea ahead (Picture: Getty)
From Stamford Bridge, Metro’s Ben Fleming breaks down the winners and losers from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Caicedo sees Red
The big midfield match-up between Rice and Caicedo fizzled out before half-time when the latter was sent off for a poor challenge on Merino. The Ecuadorian was solid up until that point, but his red card stunted what had been an impressive first half from the hosts.
Estevao shows his age
Estevao lit up Stamford Bridge in midweek against Barcelona but spurned one golden opportunity and was otherwise kept quiet by Calafiori before making way at the break. Perhaps a sign from Chelsea fans to not expect the world from this mercurial teenager just yet.
James delivers a captain’s performance
Reece James was a monster in the middle of the park (Picture: Getty)
A true captain’s display from James in front of his home fans. Ran the show in midfield, even before Caicedo’s departure, and continued in that vein after the break, providing the assist for Chalobah’s goal with a superb set-piece delivery.
Chelsea match ratings: Sanchez 7, Gusto 7, Fofana 5, Chalobah 7, Cucurella 7, James 9, Caicedo 3, Estevao 5, Enzo 6, Neto 7, Joao Pedro 6. Subs: Garnacho 6, Delap 6.
Merino the makeshift no more
Mikel Merino levelled for Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Viktor Gyokeres was a welcome return to the Arsenal bench, but might he have to wait for his opportunity? Mikel Merino continues to exceed expectations leading the line, and showed true striker’s instinct to ghost behind Fofana and head Arsenal level.
Hincapie up for the fight
Starting his second successive league game, it’s clear to see what Arsenal saw in Hincapie. The left-footed centre-back is rough around the edges, but a bundle of aggression in both boxes, and virtually licked his lips with enjoyment after dispossessing Neto inside his own box.
Arsenal match ratings: Raya 6, Timber 7, Mosquera 6, Hincapie 7, Calafiori 7, Rice 7, Zubimendi 6, Eze 6, Saka 7, Martinelli 6, Merino 8. Subs: Lewis-Skelly 7, Madueke 6, Odegaard 6, Gyokeres 6.
Arteta and his staff were visibly furious with Caciedo’s challenge – even more so after watching the replay on monitors inside the dugout.
‘It was really fast. I saw the reaction and everyone was saying he’s off,’ Arteta told Sky Sports post-match.
‘Anthony made the call and I think it’s the right one.’
Arrow MORE: Former Chelsea striker blasts Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s ‘lame, tame’ performance
Arrow MORE: Daniel Sturridge singles out Chelsea ‘beast’ who outshone Declan Rice against Arsenal
Arrow MORE: Theo Walcott aims dig at Arsenal star after Chelsea draw: ‘He’s too nice’
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