Last Updated:
Spaniard Merino netted the only goal of the game in the 20th minute with a header to give Mikel Arteta and Co. a 1-0 win over Enzo Maresca’s Blues at the Emirates in the London derby.
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Chelsea‘s top-four aspirations were handed a harsh reality check as they went down 1-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday in the Premier League encounter between the London giants. Mikel Merino’s header in the 20th minute of the game proved to be decisive as the Mikel Arteta’s Gunners picked up a win at home against Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
Arsenal demonstrated intent from the get-go as they mounted early pressure on the Chelsea defence to begin the London derby in positive fashion as they had more shots on target in the opening quarter of the game than they have had at any game this season barring one.
The Gunners had a chance to move forward early doors as Marc Cucurella fumbled inside the danger are to hand Arsenal a in on goal, but the Blues survived by the barest of margins before a penalty box squabble culminated with Declan Rice skying one.
However, Arteta’s men got their reward for their persistence as Merino pounced onto a corner from the right to head the ball past Robert Sanchez as the ball bustled into the back of the net following a looping trajectory to send the Emirates into delirium.
Chelsea found it difficult to find their way back into the game as they had to settle for a swathe of wayward shots from unflattering regions as they went in search of the leveller. But the hosts held onto heir lead heading into the break as the first essay of the game whisked by.
Arsenal continued their efforts in the second period of the game, but were kept at bay more than once by Sanchez, who produced an incredible reflex save to ensure that the scoreboard wouldn’t tick for a second time in the game.
Arsenal remained largely untroubled at the back as the Blues couldn’t create clear-cut chances to penetrate into the danger area.
Arteta’s men took their season’s points tally to 58 points from 28 games with the triumph and consolidated their place at the second place, four points ahead of surprised third-placed Nottingham Forest. Liverpool stand 12 points clear of the Gunners at the top of the table.
- Location :
United Kingdom (UK)
