Merino Strikes Once More, Securing Arsenal’s Slim Home Victory Over Chelsea

Arsenal broke their three-match winless streak in the Premier League (PL) with a slender 1-0 triumph over rival London club Chelsea, who continue to endure a dismal away league run stretching to seven matches without a victory (D2, L5).

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both had early attempts that set the tone for a first half in which Chelsea struggled to make their mark.

The visitors found themselves on the back foot for most of the half, as Arsenal effectively exploited their right side, with Jurrien Timber’s cutback from the byline causing a momentary scare for Chelsea.

It was, therefore, no surprise when the opening goal came from the right flank, courtesy of a corner that enabled Martin Odegaard to deliver a cross that was headed over a shaky Robert Sanchez by makeshift striker Mikel Merino.

At the opposite end, Chelsea’s temporary centre forward Pedro Neto often found himself isolated, but his team picked up steam as the first half progressed, nearly levelling the score when a volley from Marc Cucurella slipped through the hands of David Raya, drifting maddeningly past the far post.

However, Arsenal successfully fended off Chelsea’s advances until halftime, marking another instance of taking the lead at the Emirates, a league-leading tally of ten.

Starting the second half quietly in the absence of injured Cole Palmer, Chelsea struggled to maintain the positive momentum they had hoped to build.

As the hour mark approached, Sanchez was forced into action to deny Merino from extending Arsenal’s lead, executing a remarkable save to keep a well-timed volley out. A relatively timid attempt from Odegaard followed, leading to a stretch of the match that lacked significant excitement.

Still in search of a response, Enzo Maresca’s squad pushed forward for a late equaliser but were ultimately thwarted as a resolute Arsenal defence held firm.

Although closing the 12-point gap to league leaders Liverpool may be too ambitious for Mikel Arteta’s side at this stage of the season, this victory grants Arsenal some necessary breathing room in their quest for UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification, putting them 10 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, sitting just one point and one position above last season’s champions, remain in the last guaranteed UCL spot. Yet, with their seventh consecutive Premier League head-to-head match without a win (D2, L5), their confidence is likely to take a hit as the season draws to a close.