Captain Martin Odegaard made his first start since September, however, England duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice went off at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal can't buy a win in England right now, outside of the Carabao Cup, and Mikel Arteta's frustration was highlighted at the full-time whistle. The Gunners drew 1–1 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday heading into the international break with just five wins from its first 11 league games.

Awarded a 7/10 rating for the impact he made, there was no denying that Arsenal looked a much more dominant side when Merino entered the fray at Stamford Bridge. Although Martin Odegaard's return to the fold added creativity to an engine room which has been starved of ideas lately, his teammate can also take credit for adding much needed dynamism.