Chelsea drew 1-1 with Premier League leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge despite playing for almost an hour with 10 players.
Moises Caicedo was sent off after 36 minutes for a dangerous stud-up challenge on Mikel Merino, but unlike earlier in the season when Chelsea had fallen after a red card, Enzo Maresca's side showed remarkable resilience.
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Trevoh Chalobah gave the lead to 10 men shortly after half-time and although Merino equalized just before the hour, Chelsea's defiance gave Maresca plenty of encouragement.
The first half was defined by tough tackles and tense moments, with the biggest flashpoint coming in the 38th minute.
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Caicedo received a straight red card, Chelsea's sixth red card of the season, after VAR advised referee Anthony Taylor to upgrade an early yellow for a late, high challenge on Merino.
Despite the setback, Chelsea went ahead when Chalobah's flicked header from a corner went over David Raya into the far corner.
Arsenal responded after 11 minutes when Merino placed a header at the back post from Bukayo Saka's excellent in-swinging cross.
The game was a tight affair and seven yellow cards were shown. Even with 10 players, Chelsea had the better chances, as Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap and Wesley Fofana were all in danger.
Arsenal, missing centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba for only the second time since 2021, struggled to create a clear opening beyond Merino's strike and Saka's long-range effort.
With this draw, Arsenal are five points ahead of Manchester City, while Chelsea are one point behind City in third place.
The Gunners are now unbeaten in 17 matches in all competitions as of August 30.
