Caicedo’s red card proved to be the key talking point of the game as clips were shared online of the midfielder tearing into the Arsenal side with persistent challenges, which ultimately led to his sending off shortly before half-time.
Merino was lucky to escape
The Gunners failed to capitalise on their man advantage and the game finished 1-1 thanks to goals from Trevor Chalobah and Merino, who spoke after the game on Caicedo who he knew would be sent off.
"I felt my ankle go all the way, but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body,” the Spaniard explained.
“I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card.”
When asked whether Caicedo had apologised or spoken to Merino after the challenge, Merino said, "No. Nothing."
Manager Mikel Arteta also commented on Caicedo’s challenge and praised referee Anthony Taylor for his quick decision-making.
"It was really fast. I saw the reaction and everyone was saying he's off.
"Anthony (Taylor, referee) made the call and I think it's the right one.”
What about Bentancur?
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca accepted that Caicedo deserved a red card for his foul on Merino but he said he could not understand why Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur hadn't also seen red a month before.
"Only thing I struggle to understand is the different way to judge," Maresca told Sky Sports after the game. "Because what about Bentancur against Reece (James)? It is exactly the same foul for me.
"For me, tonight it was a red card (for Caicedo), and also that one. Why is one a red card, one is not a red card? This difference you sometimes struggle to understand."