LONDON:

Mikel Merino rescued Arsenal as the Premier League leaders battled to a 1-1 draw against 10-man in a bad-tempered London derby on Sunday.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off for a crude foul on Merino late in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

Despite Caicedo's dismissal, Trevoh Chalobah headed Chelsea into a second half lead, but Merino's leveller ensured Arsenal emerged unscathed from a bruising encounter between the title rivals.

are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who beat Newcastle on Saturday, and sit six points above third-placed Chelsea.

When the dust had settled on a contest of relentless intensity, Arsenal were left to rue a missed opportunity to extend their lead over Chelsea in the title race, while the Blues were relieved to avoid a

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