Arsenal became the first team to stop Chelsea in a competitive home game in Antonio Conte’s reign as manager by keeping the Blues at bay yesterday.
It was also their first away point of the season following disappointing defeats at Stoke and more so the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.
There was some trepidation going into the game from Arsenal fans given their recent record at Stamford Bridge – they haven’t won at the ground since 2011.
But Arsene Wenger’s side put in a steely performance to earn a deserved point without Ozil and Sanchez in the starting line-up with the latter coming on as a second half substitute.
And Manchester United legend Neville believes the two contract rebels at the Emirates will now have no excuse to track back and do their defensive work.
“It’s not difficult and ultimately that video should go to Ozil and Sanchez because they do need to come back in, but if they are not going to do the job required, sit in the stands and let two players with less talent do the job you need to do in a big match,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“There’s no excuse for any player not to work back into a defensive position.
“The only player I saw have that luxury in 20 years was Cristiano Ronaldo and in big matches he was shoved up front.
“However, he scored 40 goals a season and United were winning things. That’s when you can get away with it.
“Sanchez does normally work hard but Ozil now has no excuse not to get back into his position after seeing that today.
“What Arsenal did today is show some respect at Stamford Bridge and they got the result because of that. I was delighted to see it because we’ve been crying out for it for many, many months.”