Arsenal beat Chelsea to maintain slim title challenge

Mikel Merino’s first-half goal earned Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, reducing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to 12 points. Both teams were missing key attacking players, with Arsenal without Kai Havertz (out for the season with a hamstring injury) and Chelsea missing Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer (injury).

Arsenal, again deploying Merino as a makeshift striker, dominated the early stages. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice all went close before Merino broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. He flicked on Martin Odegaard’s curling corner, directing the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea’s best chance came when Marc Cucurella’s powerful effort slipped through David Raya’s hands but rolled narrowly past the post.

Sanchez, recently reinstated as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, had some shaky moments under pressure from Arsenal’s crosses, and was jeered by the home crowd. He did, however, produce an excellent save to deny Merino a second goal in the second half.

Liverpool are not playing in the league this weekend due to their participation in the Carabao Cup final.

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Strength and Defensive Solidity

Arsenal’s recent tactical adjustments, focusing on greater control, have drawn criticism for their attacking output, particularly given the absence of several key forwards through injury. However, their organization and defensive solidity were evident against Chelsea.

Merino’s goal, Arsenal’s 11th from corners in all competitions this season, highlights the effectiveness of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s work. Myles Lewis-Skelly, returning to the starting lineup, delivered another impressive performance, celebrating his first senior England call-up. The imminent return of Bukayo Saka, who was seen pitchside before the match and is reportedly “closer” to fitness, will further boost Arsenal’s attacking options ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next month.

Chelsea’s Attacking Woes and European Aspirations

Chelsea’s defeat damages their hopes of Champions League qualification. The absence of Cole Palmer, who has been directly involved in 38% of Chelsea’s 53 Premier League goals this season (20 goals/assists), was keenly felt. Despite his recent goal drought (seven games without a goal), Palmer’s overall quality and threat were missed.

Manager Enzo Maresca continued with Pedro Neto as a central striker, but he was comfortably contained by Arsenal’s defense.

Chelsea have shown improvement under Maresca, but their lack of attacking risk and creativity in the final third remains a concern. The Blues are now winless in their last seven away league games, losing the last four. They need a significant turnaround in form to secure a Champions League place.