Mikel Arteta¡¯s Imprints On Full Display as 10-Men Arsenal Hold Chelsea To A 2-2 Draw

The London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal lived up to the billing as both teams played a fascinating 2-2 draw at the Stamford Bridge.

Even after being reduced to 10-men after David Luiz was sent off in the 26th minute, Arsenal rallied back twice to take a deserved point from the game. It has been a different Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took over the manager's role from Unai Emery who was sacked in November.

For years Arsenal have been labelled as pushovers, perhaps this was the night they started to brush off that tag. After their centre-back was set off, it would have made sense for Arteta to substitute an attacker for a defender, but he sticked with his 10 men on the pitch who had started the game. And it paid dividends.

Twice they came from behind at Chelsea to salvage a 2-2 draw, all whilst playing with a man down for more than an hour after David Luiz's red card. And that point, earned by Hector Bellerin¡¯s late equaliser, was reward for a performance packed full of character and bravery from Mikel Arteta¡¯s side.

Arsenal have suffered at Stamford Bridge over the years, but they stood tall against all the odds to return to north London with a point. Their play had all the imprints of what the new manager wants to do - hold possession and spend much of the time in opposition half.

It will give Arsenal a big morale boost and help them get their old swagger back, that had its shades in this game against Chelsea.

Arsenal may be 10th in the league and just seven point above the relegation zone, but there is a genuine sense that the team are now heading in the right direction under Arteta.