Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear after 'tough' Premier League draw with Chelsea

However, despite being a man up, Arsenal fell behind following a superb header from Trevoh Chalobah - who converted in the box after good work from Reece James.

Ultimately, Arsenal were able to earn a draw with Merino scoring to secure a point.

Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted that the match had been a 'tough' occasion - but was pleased they were able to avoid defeat after Chaloba's header.

"A really tough one. Two teams that play with a lot of intensity and aggression, you could sense it in every tackle," said the Spaniard.

"The game settled and after the red card, we needed to settle and make the judgement but we conceded a foul and a goal. Two top teams fighting for the Premier League so it's normal.

"We had four players with yellow cards and you could see they were targeting those players.

"The first action in the section half, we conceded and we had to get through that. We scored a brilliant goal. We had two or three big chances.

"They are a really good team. They've scored seven goals from corners, we've scored eight.

On Caicedo's challenge, he added: "It was really fast.

"I saw the reaction and everyone was saying he's off. Anthony made the call and I think it's the right one.

"It's been a massive week emotionally and physically. We had one day less to recover. They got to play at Stamford Bridge after they just beat Barcelona. I expect and always want to win the game.

"We have another game on Wednesday and we have to prepare really well to beat a tough opponent like Brentford and then we have Aston Villa."

Arsenal goalscorer Merino has also opened up following the showdown.

The former Real Sociedad and Newcastle star admitted to mixed emotions, saying: "On one hand, disappointed because we didn't win. When you wear this shirt, you want to win every game.

"But on the other hand, this is going to be a long season. it's a really tough stadium to come to.

"We'll take the point. We could have done things better, but I think the team showed a good mentality coming back from that goal [from Chalobah]."

When quizzed on what Arsenal could have done better, he continued: "Maybe managing the game a little bit better, understanding what they were trying to do, how they were pressing, the spaces they were freeing for us and trying to attack those in the first half when they were going man-to-man so aggressively.

"Then with 10 men [for Chelsea], a little bit more patience with the ball.

"That doesn't mean complacency and playing slow, but trying to find the wings and try to cross into the box a bit more.

"They are a good side. The team did a good job today so we'll take the point and keep going."

Arsenal will be seeking a return to winning ways when they face Brentford on Wednesday (7.30pm).

As for Chelsea, they're next in action against Leeds that same night (8.15pm).