There was a real derby feel right from the get-go, with both sides in no doubt of how pivotal this result could prove to be.
Chelsea were high on confidence after their midweek dismantling of Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, but Arsenal were equally optimistic, having dispatched Bayern Munich, and there was certainly no lack of thrust during a highly competitive first half.
Bukayo Saka was the first to have a sight at goal with a low drive that was thwarted by Robert Sanchez from close range, before the Blues began to impose themselves on the contest, with Enzo Fernandez forcing a stop from David Raya at the half-hour mark.
A fiery affair had already seen four yellow cards by the time Moises Caicedo overstepped the mark in the 38th minute, receiving a straight red for an overzealous challenge on Mikel Merino.
However, it was far from unfamiliar territory for Chelsea, who have now seen six different players sent off across all competitions this season.
That dismissal threatened to change the complexion of the game, but the hosts held on until half-time, as Sanchez produced a reaction stop to deny Gabriel Martinelli before the break.
Likely to be content with a point given the circumstances, Chelsea fans were celebrating the prospect of more soon after the restart.
A Reece James set-piece delivery found Joao Pedro, whose header needed turning around the post for a corner, and the resultant delivery from James was glanced in at the near post by Trevoh Chalobah, leaving Raya helpless
Enzo Maresca’s men have now opened the scoring in each of their last eight PL games, and set about restricting the Gunners as they searched for a fourth successive clean sheet.
Unfortunately for Maresca, that plan lasted just 11 minutes as Mikel Merino powered home Saka’s deadly cross to restore parity ahead of the hour mark.
Armed with the momentum, the visitors pressed for another, but Chelsea held firm, even offering some attacking threat of their own.
Substitute Viktor Gyokeres rifled a low shot at goal with time running out, but Sánchez was equal to it before being clattered as the striker followed in.
Ultimately, the two London sides couldn’t be separated in an intriguing battle that could have significant ramifications come the end of the season.
The Blues have won just one of the last 12 PL H2Hs (D4, L7), but this draw will feel more like a win for many of the home faithful given the circumstances.
As a result, Chelsea remain six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, whose closest competition is now Manchester City, five points behind going into December.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Reece James (Chelsea)
