After a pulsating London Derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, could we be in for a three-way title race, with Manchester City lurking not too far behind?
Pep Guardiola’s side amped up the pressure on both London Clubs, with a 3-2 win, courtesy of an injury-time winner from Phil Foden.
While Trevoh Chalobah and Mikel Merino were on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge.
The game was a proper London derby, even before Moises Caicedo’s daft red card.
Nevertheless, Captain Reece James had no problem at all with stepping into his shoes.
The first hall was quite an even contest, with chances for Bukayo Saka and Estêvão Willian to open the scoring.
You could even say that had Caicedo stayed on the pitch, the Blues may have possibly gone on to win that game.
What was slightly surprising was the fact that Arsenal didn’t really go for the kill, especially after Caicedo’s red card.
Playing against 10 men can be difficult, but you need to move the ball quickly and stretch the pitch.
Arsenal didn’t seem to do that and allowed Chelsea, who looked the more threatening of the two, a foothold in the game.
If you want to win the League Title, these are the sort of situations that you need to take advantage of.
But full credit to Enzo Maresca’s side for staying strong and salvaging a point, which could be crucial come the end of the game.
“I think we showed we are heading in the right direction. I always say the same. The performance has been fantastic. We were a much better team than them 11 v 11 but with 10 players, it is difficult but we dealt with it outstandingly.
Maresca: BBC Sport
If the Blues can sustain this type of mentality through the res of the season, they ar by no means out of this Title race.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta was extremely dissapointed of what could have been an exceptional week for him and his team.
“Right from the beginning you could sense how much was at stake. Every duel and action was full gas, very short sequences of play. With the 10 men we expected a different game, we plan it, we went through it in the second half. They get a free kick and they score. Then it becomes a very tricky game to play. Overall I think that when you don’t win with 10 men for 45 minutes you have to be disappointed. But you have to know the week we had, a tough opponent.”
Arteta: BBC Sport
As the Premier League table stands, Arsenal still have a five point advantage over City, who travel to Fulham on Tuesday.
The Gunners are at home to Brentford at 7: 30pm on Wednesday, with Chelsea’s game away too Leeds United at 8:15pm
These are trick fixtures for all three teams, however you wouldn’t be surprise if all three fixtures go in their favour.
What do you think?
Are we on course for a three-way title race, or is there another twist awaiting?
Send us your thoughts, on World In Sport