Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has talked up his side's achievement of reaching the November international break sitting only behind Liverpool and Manchester City.
With Nottingham Forest losing to Newcastle United earlier in the day, Chelsea had the opportunity to move into third place in the Premier League table when they faced Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Gabriel Martinelli's opener on the hour mark put the Blues in a position where it appeared that they would not capitalise on many of the teams around them dropping points across the weekend.
However, a stunning 20-yard strike from Pedro Neto earned Chelsea a share of the spoils that they will feel were deserved after a competitive London derby.
Although Chelsea were successful in moving into third spot, just one point separates the teams between that position and ninth ahead of the November international break.
What did Maresca have to say?
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Maresca emphasised his happiness at the progress that Chelsea have made since his arrival less than four-and-a-half months ago.
Despite losing to each of the top two, Chelsea currently sit just four points adrift of second-placed Man City as they bid to cement a place in the top four.
The Italian told reporters, as quoted by football.london: "Very happy. For me, we are behind this kind of club because they work every day with the last nine years with the same manager.
"It doesn't mean when we face them, we are not going to compete. We tried to win the game. Very soon we will win these kind of games."
He added: "It's nice, especially for the fans after the last year has not been great - or at least what this club is used to. For sure, it is something nice."
What is next for Chelsea?
Chelsea head into the international break having accumulated five points from games with Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Next up is a trip to Leicester City on November 23, the West Londoners having the chance to move to within one point of Man City before Pep Guardiola's face Tottenham Hotspur later in the day.
Heidenheim in the Conference League are next up five days later before Chelsea play host to Aston Villa the following weekend. body check tags ::
