Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has launched a scathing critique of Mikel Arteta, branding Arsenal's performance in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea as 'lame' and 'tame'. The Gunners failed to capitalise on playing against ten men for over half the match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in a result that Sutton believes represents a significant missed opportunity in the Premier League title race.
A Feisty London Derby
The match was a typically heated London derby, with Arsenal receiving six yellow cards compared to Chelsea's solitary booking. The game's pivotal moment arrived on the 38-minute mark when Chelsea's Moises Caicedo was dismissed for a dangerous lunge on Mikel Merino. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to a straight red following a VAR intervention, leaving the Blues a man down.
Despite this numerical disadvantage, Chelsea took a surprise lead just after half-time. Trevoh Chalobah powered a header from Reece James's corner into the net on the 48th minute, putting the hosts in front. Arsenal eventually found an equaliser through Merino on 59 minutes, but they could not find a winning goal despite their extra player, finishing the match with the same number of shots on target as Chelsea.
A Scathing Verdict from Chris Sutton
While Sutton maintains he still believes Arsenal will win the Premier League title this season, he placed the blame for the dropped points squarely on manager Mikel Arteta. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Sutton expressed his frustration at Arsenal's lack of aggression.
'I back Arsenal, I still back Arsenal,' Sutton stated. 'But you didn’t go for the jugular again... I think Mikel Arteta, it falls on him really, not positive enough. Wasn’t positive enough. Playing against 10 men of Chelsea for over a half? Go for the jugular Mikel! Come on!'
He elaborated on his criticism, highlighting a recurring theme in Arteta's management. 'This was a great opportunity to go and nail Chelsea today and get three points. I don’t think they really pushed Chelsea back and worked Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal enough. You have the numerical advantage and it’s side-to-side. I just think it’s a chance missed.'
Individual Performances Under the Microscope
The match also featured several notable individual displays. For Chelsea, captain Reece James delivered what was described as a 'captain’s performance', controlling midfield and providing the assist for Chalobah's goal. In contrast, the young star Estevao struggled to make an impact after his midweek heroics against Barcelona.
For Arsenal, makeshift striker Mikel Merino impressed, scoring the equaliser and earning high praise. Defender Hincapie was also noted for his aggressive and combative performance, showing no fear in the physical battle.
Ultimately, the narrative centred on a squandered advantage. Sutton concluded with a stark warning: 'The way the game panned out, Caicedo got sent off you have a chance to make a statement to the rest of the Premier League... But you didn’t. You were lame, you were tame and that could cost you.'
