In a thrilling London derby, Arsenal edged out Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to Mikel Merino’s decisive goal in the 20th minute. The Spanish striker flicked in Martin Odegaard’s corner to give Arsenal a well-deserved lead.
The match was characterized by Arsenal’s dominance in the first half, with six attempts on goal in the opening 20 minutes. Chelsea, however, grew into the game and nearly equalized when Marc Cucurella’s volley squirmed through David Raya’s grasp but dribbled past the far post.
In the second half, Merino came close to doubling Arsenal’s advantage with a well-struck volley that Robert Sanchez parried away. Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana survived a VAR review after an apparent stamp on Declan Rice, adding to the intense drama of the match.
The win consolidates Arsenal’s second position in the Premier League table and extends their unbeaten run against Chelsea to seven successive matches. This victory marks a significant milestone for Mikel Arteta’s team, demonstrating their resilience and determination in high-pressure matches.
For Chelsea, the loss marks a setback in their pursuit of a top-four finish. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, ultimately succumbing to Arsenal’s relentless pressure.
As the Premier League season heats up, this match serves as a testament to the intense rivalries and thrilling drama that define English football. With Arsenal and Chelsea set to face off again in the future, fans can expect another electrifying encounter between these two London giants.