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What Reece James did to Arsenal star Kai Havertz that Chelsea supporters will love

Chelsea defender Reece James during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Chelsea fans were left delighted with Reece James after what he did to Kai Havertz during the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. The Blues picked up a deserved point at Stamford Bridge after Pedro Neto's fine second-half strike cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli's opener.

James, who had started three Premier League matches in a row after recovering from injury, was dropped by Enzo Maresca for clash with the Gunners in West London. Marc Cucurella started instead, with Malo Gusto keeping his spot on the right despite being hooked at half-time against Manchester United last weekend.

However, with the game level, Maresca decided to bring on James in the 82nd minute as the Blues looked to try and secure all three points. Although James didn't make much of an impact during his short time on the pitch, he did please the Chelsea supporters with one notable piece of action.

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A video on social media has emerged of James proving to be too strong for former Chelsea forward Havertz and wrestling him to the floor. After his low cross was cleared back out to him on the edge of the box, James flicked the ball back to Moises Caicedo before appearing to shove Havertz out of the way and on to the deck.

Havertz, who swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in June 2023, received a frosty reception from the home support on his second return to Stamford Bridge and it seems the Blues faithful enjoyed what James did to him.

One said: "That was for leaving," followed by a laughing face emoji. A second wrote: "Captain had a reason, the reason he shares with all of us." A third added: "Am I toxic? Because I celebrated this like its a goal."

Although Chelsea didn't win, the point moved them into third going into the international break and boss Maresca was pleased with his side's display. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Maresca said: "I think the performance was good.

"We played in the way we want to play on and off the ball. The game in some moments was open - anything can happen in both sides but for sure, 100%, we deserved a point and this is important."