Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but they would likely be frustrated with both their performance and the result, especially since Chelsea spent nearly an hour with a player sent off.
Moises Caicedo was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino, yet despite having the numerical advantage, Mikel Arteta’s side couldn’t capitalize to strengthen their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott highlighted one key moment late in the match that stood out to him.
Viktor Gyokeres misses chance to win the game
In the closing stages, as Arsenal pressed Chelsea, a cross into the box found its way to Viktor Gyokeres. Had he connected with it, the Sweden international could have scored the winner for the Gunners. Instead, Jurrien Timber intervened and mishandled the opportunity, frustrating both his team and Gyokeres.
Walcott suggested that Gyokeres needs to be more ruthless, noting that the striker can be “too nice” at times.
“Towards the end of games, when you’re desperate, you want to throw everyone forward,” Walcott told Sky Sports, according to Metro. “If a right-back is in this position, I’d be asking questions if I were Gyokeres—this is my space, this is why I’m on the pitch. He’s been like this all season. He’d be disappointed, calling for it no doubt. It just annoys me when players are out of position, though I understand why Arsenal committed so many bodies forward. Gyokeres is too nice sometimes, I think.”
Arsenal disappointed with missed opportunity
Arteta will feel his team let a prime chance slip to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. With Chelsea down to ten men, Arsenal were expected to push harder and take control.
Still, the draw isn’t disastrous. Arsenal have had a challenging week, securing victories over Tottenham in the league and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
