Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League’s London derby, thanks to a towering header from Mikel Merino. The victory ended Arsenal’s three-match winless run and deepened Chelsea’s away struggles, extending their streak to seven league games without a win on the road.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: First-Half Action
The Gunners started brightly, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli testing Chelsea’s defense early on. Arsenal dominated the right flank, with Jurrien Timber’s cutbacks causing panic in the visitors’ box.
Their persistent pressure paid off in the 20th minute, when Martin Ødegaard whipped in a corner that was met by Mikel Merino’s powerful header, looping past a helpless Robert Sánchez to give Arsenal the lead.
Chelsea struggled to respond, with Pedro Neto isolated up front in the absence of Cole Palmer. However, they nearly equalized before halftime, as Marc Cucurella’s volley slipped through David Raya’s hands, only to roll agonizingly past the post.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Chelsea: Second-Half Battle
The Blues improved after the break, but Arsenal remained solid at the back. Robert Sánchez kept Chelsea in the game, producing a brilliant save to deny Merino’s close-range volley.
Chelsea introduced Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in search of an equalizer, but Arsenal’s well-organized defense held firm. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Mikel Arteta’s side saw out the victory to claim an important three points.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Chelsea: Key Statistics
- Possession: Arsenal 41% – 59% Chelsea
- Shots on Target: Arsenal 4 – 2 Chelsea
- Total Shots: Arsenal 12 – 8 Chelsea
- Expected Goals (xG): Arsenal 0.77 – 0.35 Chelsea
- Pass Accuracy: Arsenal 84% – 87% Chelsea
Chelsea controlled possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third, while Arsenal’s defensive resilience and Merino’s crucial goal made the difference.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: What’s Next?
Arsenal’s win strengthens their push for a top-four finish, as they now sit 10 points clear of Manchester City in fifth place. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in fourth place but will need a strong finish to secure Champions League qualification.
📺 Watch Highlights
Watch Mikel Merino’s match-winning header and the best moments from Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea:
Conclusion
Arsenal delivered a disciplined performance, with Merino’s header proving decisive. Can the Gunners continue their momentum and finish the season strongly? Stay tuned to NaijVerse for all the latest football updates!