"Normally a right-back, the Chelsea captain has been pushed into midfield by Romeo Lavia's persistent injury problems. James lined up alongside Caicedo, with Enzo Fernandez further forward in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated the first half, but their momentum stalled when Caicedo saw red for a late lunge on Mikel Merino in the 38th minute. Maresca reshuffled at half-time, bringing on Alejandro Garnacho, with Fernandez dropping deeper alongside James."
"Moments after the restart, James crossed for Joao Pedro to head on target from close range. He then delivered again for Trevoh Chalobah, who looped a header from a corner over David Raya to open the scoring. Merino levelled with a far-post header 11 minutes later but, with James using his physicality in midfield, Chelsea stayed in the game and matched the Premier League leaders despite being a man down."
"Arsenal were also content at preserving unbeaten run. now at 17 points, and with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Image source, BBC Sport Chelsea believe James has finally overcome the persistent hamstring injuries that blighted his career in recent seasons - and the turnaround is no accident. The key has been a revamp of the club's medical department, led by performance director Bryce Cavanagh and medical director Craig Roberts, alongside Maresca's disciplined approach to team selec"
Reece James started in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo with Enzo Fernandez further forward as Chelsea faced Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated early but lost momentum when Caicedo was sent off for a late lunge on Mikel Merino. Maresca reorganised at half-time, moving Fernandez deeper and introducing Alejandro Garnacho. James supplied two decisive crosses that led to goals, and despite going down to ten men Chelsea matched the Premier League leaders until Merino equalised. Maresca praised James but warned of managing his workload ahead of the midweek fixture. Chelsea credit a medical-department revamp for James's recovery from hamstring problems.
Read at www.bbc.com
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