Enzo Maresca praises Chelsea midfielder after Arsenal draw

The Blues had the opportunity to go within seven points off the top of the table, but they were unable to beat the Gunners with home advantage. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 60th minute, but the lead did not last for long. Pedro Neto equalised in the 70th minute of the contest. Neither club managed to find the winner in the end and speaking after the game, Maresca spoke fondly about the performance of Caicedo in central midfield. He said in the post-match press conference: "He has been a top professional ever since I arrived and he's playing fantastic." Caicedo has been a revelation in his second year with the Blues and he was handed the captain's armband against Arsenal with Reece James on the bench. The Ecuadorian led by example with a dominating midfield performance. He had the better of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in different stages of the derby. Chelsea have jumped to third in the Premier League standings after the draw against the Gunners. They are nine points behind leaders Liverpool as of now.