David Raya left beaten as Reece James corner deflects off Hincapie to make it 1-1

david raya was beaten when Reece James’ corner flew in off the head of Piero Hincapie, restoring the score to 1-1 at the Emirates and giving Chelsea a late route back into the first half.

How the equaliser unfolded

Reece James whipped in an inswinging corner that Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie met at the near post in the middle of a bundle of bodies. Hincapie’s glancing header changed the angle and the ball flew in, putting Chelsea level on the stroke of half-time.

David Raya and the final touch

It looked like the bend on the delivery might have taken the ball in and that the goal could be credited to James, but Hincapie’s touch is what ultimately took the ball away from goalkeeper David Raya. Video clips of the moment show the deflection that left the goalkeeper beaten.

Chelsea’s half and the immediate reaction

Chelsea had been described as pretty poor in the first half at the Emirates, yet they managed to level the scores late on and head into half-time on level terms. The equaliser offered a lifeline after a first period that failed to produce quality for the visitors.

Set-piece context and team notes

The preceding corner had hit Declan Rice’s elbow, a detail that helped frame the goal as a fair outcome for the Blues. Mamadou Sarr was picked to start the game, a notable vote of confidence in the young defender, while Todd Boehly was away speaking at a business conference during the match.

Liam Rosenior has been given a lifeline to go in at half time and try to turn things around; he will address urgency and finishing from his players before the second half begins.