Chelsea sent ‘message to other teams’ in Premier League with draw against Arsenal despite Moises Caicedo red card – Reece James

It was his corner, three minutes into the second half, that was glanced in by Trevoh Chalobah to give Chelsea an unexpected lead over Mikel Arteta’s side, despite Caicedo’s challenge on Mikel Merino that was upgraded to a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor after a VAR review.

Merino later rose to ensure Arsenal left west London with a point, establishing a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after 13 games – but James feels the manner in which a depleted Chelsea stood up to their opponents will instil confidence heading into the second third of the season.

Reece James was deployed in midfield against Arsenal

Image credit: Getty Images

“The team is so young and we went toe-to-toe with the Premier League leaders. We didn’t show fear. We tried to come out to win the game, and unfortunately we didn’t do that, but there are lots of positives to take.

“It was difficult. We started well, we started sharp. It got more difficult when we went down to 10. If you look at the game collectively, we coped well with 10 against 11.”

James expressed sympathy for Caicedo after the lengthy VAR review, with the contest a tetchy affair throughout and punctuated by seven bookings on top of the red card.

The dismissal only sharpened James’s own focus as he grew into his midfield role, ensuring Arsenal never seized full control. His assist for Chalobah was his fourth of the season in all competitions – more than any other Chelsea player.

Referee Anthony Taylor speaks with Moises Caicedo before sending him off

Image credit: Getty Images

The 25-year-old’s career has been plagued by injury, and the England international withdrew from Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against Latvia in October as a precaution.

Yet the way he drove Chelsea forward – winning duels and retaining possession – served as a reminder that, when fit, James remains pivotal for both club and country.

“I try to help the team as best I can,” he added when asked about his midfield role. “We had the ball a lot more, we were shuffling it side to side and collecting second balls. I thought, as a team, it was a really good collective effort.

“It comes with playing consistently, playing at a high level week in, week out. It’s something I haven’t done for a long period. I’ve got a good streak together now and it’s good to be on the pitch.”

Maresca coy on Premier League title objective

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca agreed with Taylor’s decision to dismiss Caicedo, but the Italian pointed to another challenge this season that went unpunished.

On November, 1, Rodrigo Bentancur’s late challenge on James was judged to be reckless but not serious foul play, with referee Jarred Gillett only cautioning the Tottenham Hotspur player.

Enzo Maresca consoles Caicedo after his dismissal

Image credit: Getty Images

“Why is one a red card and one isn’t? I think it’s a red card tonight – it’s clear. Why the difference? It is what it is.

“Moises is always the same – a top player for us. His desire is always to try and win the game.

“It’s football. It’s Chelsea versus Arsenal. You have to double the effort – that’s the most important thing. We didn’t change much on the ball. We tried to find Liam (Delap). In open play, the idea was exactly the same.

“I think we are better than last season. We are closer. We’ll see where we are in February and March, and then we’ll assess our target.”