Mikel Obi Says Caicedo’s Red Card “Cost Us the Game” in Chelsea–Arsenal Draw

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi believes Moises Caicedo’s red card was the turning point in Chelsea’s 1–1 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, insisting it denied the Blues all three points.

Chelsea’s discipline has been a major concern this season, with seven red cards in 20 matches across all competitions. Four of those dismissals have come in the Premier League, putting the team on track to surpass the league’s unwanted record of nine red cards in a season. Caicedo’s sending-off on November 30 added to a growing list that already included Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, Joao Pedro, Malo Gusto and Liam Delap.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel said the chaotic match was the kind of contest he would have loved to play in. “It was a good game to watch… From the red card to the goal to Arsenal coming back, it’s a lot of yellow cards,” he said, adding that it was the sort of fiery match Diego Costa “would’ve loved… kicking, pulling and punching everything he sees.”

Caicedo was dismissed in the 38th minute after a late challenge on Mikel Merino. Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea took the lead three minutes into the second half through Chalobah before Merino equalised on the hour mark.

Mikel praised the team’s effort but stressed that the discipline issues are “costing us games… If we finished with eleven men, I think we could’ve won.” He urged manager Enzo Maresca to “find a way” to end the run of red cards.

He also reserved praise for Robert Sanchez, noting, “Sanchez was brilliant… He made some good saves.” Chelsea now sit third in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal.