Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel says Moises Caicedo’s red card ultimately cost Chelsea all three points in last Sunday’s clash against Arsenal, SportPremi reports.
The Blues and the Gunners played out a 1-1 draw in a thrilling clash in the English Premier League last weekend.
Despite having midfielder Caicedo was sent off in the first half of the clash for a reckless studs up challenge on Mikel Merino, Enzo Maresca’s men gave a good account of themselves in the clash.
The London side have suffered from disciplinary problems this season, with last Sunday’s red card the seventh time they have had a member of the squad sent off this season.
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Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the fourth minute of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, while Trevoh Chalobah and Joao Pedro were also sent off in successive games against Brighton and Benfica.
Maresca was also sent off for his touchline celebrations in the win over Liverpool, and the club has already seen Malo Gusto and Liam Delap receive red cards this season.
The Blues dropped to third on the standings with 24 points, behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
Mikel reveals why Chelsea failed to defeat Arsenal
Speaking in an episode of his Obi One Podcast, former Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel explained why the Blues struggled to secure maximum points in their clash against the Gunners.
“It was a good game to watch. A lot happened, didn’t it?
“From the red card to the goal to Arsenal coming back to score an equaliser. It’s a lot of yellow cards, a kind of game I’d have loved to play”, the former Chelsea midfielder said.
“It was a kind of game that Diego Costa would’ve loved to be in, kicking, pulling and punching everything he sees.”
What Next for the Blues?
Chelsea dropped to third on the standings after their draw against Arsenal with 24 points, six points behind the Gunners who have 30 points, while Manchester City are second with 25 points.
The Blues head into Wednesday’s clash against Leeds United in superb form, having not lost any of their last seven games in all competitions.
They suffered a 3-0 defeat in their last visit to Elland Road, but will be overwhelming favorites to claim maximum points against their relegation-threatened opponents, with kickoff at 3:15 PM.
