Daniel Sturridge hailed the performance of Reece James in Chelsea’s hard-fought draw with Arsenal, insisting the England international was a ‘beast’ in midfield up against the Gunners.

A tense London derby at Stamford Bridge ended all square on Sunday after Trevoh Chalobah’s second-half header was wiped out by Mikel Merino’s equaliser.

Chelsea lost Moises Caicedo to a straight red card in the first half for a wild and reckless challenge on Merino – a setback that threatened to derail Enzo Maresca’s gameplan.

The sending off saw James moved into midfield, a position he has begun to take up more regularly with his club, turning in an excellent, all-action performance to help keep Arsenal at bay.

James gave Chelsea an outlet through the middle of the park with Arsenal struggling to keep h

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