Arsenal vs Chelsea Report

Scorer: Merino 20’

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, snapping a three-match winless streak.

The result extended Chelsea’s dismal away league form to seven matches without a win (D2, L5), denting their momentum in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Arsenal Take Control as Chelsea Struggle to Settle

The Gunners set the tone early, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli testing Robert Sánchez in the opening exchanges.

Chelsea, missing injured star Cole Palmer, found themselves under constant pressure, particularly down the right flank, where Jurriën Timber’s cutback nearly led to the opener.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 28th minute, stemming from a corner. Martin Ødegaard’s delivery caused chaos in the Chelsea box, and Mikel Merino, playing in an unfamiliar striker role, guided a looping header over a nervy Sánchez to give Arsenal the lead.

Chelsea’s makeshift forward line, led by Pedro Neto, struggled for cohesion, with the Portuguese winger often left isolated.

The visitors nearly found an equaliser before the break when Marc Cucurella’s volley slipped through David Raya’s hands, but the ball trickled just past the far post. Despite that scare, Arsenal maintained their lead heading into half-time, recording a league-high 10th first-half lead at the Emirates this season.

Second Half Lacks Spark as Arsenal Hold Firm

Chelsea started the second half quietly, failing to build on their brief spell of momentum before the interval. Arsenal had a golden opportunity to double their lead on the hour mark when Merino latched onto a cross, but Sánchez reacted brilliantly to keep out his well-struck volley.

The game then entered a low-key period, with Arsenal controlling possession and limiting Chelsea’s attacking threat. Ødegaard sent a tame effort wide, while Enzo Maresca’s side pushed for a late equaliser, but the Blues lacked cutting edge as Arsenal’s disciplined defence held firm.

What This Means for the Premier League Table

With a 12-point gap to leaders Liverpool, Arsenal’s title hopes remain slim, but this victory strengthens their bid for UCL qualification, putting them 10 points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City.

Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in fourth place, one point above City, but their seventh consecutive league meeting without a win against Arsenal (D2, L5) does little to inspire confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.

Their poor away form (D2, L5 in their last seven league matches) continues to be a concern as they look to secure a Champions League spot.

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Arsenal v Chelsea, 2024/25 | Premier League