Behind Man City's cruise, Arsenal and Chelsea prove there's still drama to savour

If there were any suggestions that Manchester City’s solo waltz to the Premier League title would take all the drama out of 2018, then Arsenal and Chelsea provided the perfect riposte with a wonderful match full of skill, resolve, and scintillating football — from two teams who know they cannot win the big prize.

Hector Bellerin’s stunning late goal ensured Arsenal took a deserved share of the points in a 2-2 draw and kept Chelsea in third place, 16 points behind City; but it also proved that there is no need to look away in the new year despite a lack of tension around who will eventually be crowned champions.

This fixture, of course, played such a vital part in last season’s title race when Arsenal won 3-0, a result which unexpectedly sparked Chelsea’s revival and saw them eventually lift the trophy. It won’t have the same effect this time but it will still be remembered for the way both teams played, for four excellent goals, for a string of stunning saves, and for an atmosphere which could not have been more vibrant if the trophy itself had been up for grabs.