Merino Strikes as Arsenal Edge Chelsea to Close Gap on Liverpool

Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal as Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 win over Chelsea, moving within 12 points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Both teams entered the game without their first-choice strikers, with Kai Havertz sidelined for the season due to a hamstring injury and Nicolas Jackson missing for Chelsea. The Blues were further weakened by the absence of Cole Palmer, their standout performer this season.

Merino’s First-Half Goal Proves the Difference

Arsenal started on the front foot, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice all testing Chelsea’s defense in the opening exchanges.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute, when Merino flicked on a curling Martin Ødegaard corner past a stretching Robert Sánchez, giving the Gunners a deserved lead.

Chelsea’s best chance came through Marc Cucurella, whose powerful shot slipped through David Raya’s hands, only to roll just wide of the post. Meanwhile, Sánchez had a nervy evening, struggling with aerial deliveries and facing jeers from the home crowd.

Despite a fine save from Sánchez to deny Merino in the second half, Chelsea failed to find an equalizer, leaving them without a win in seven consecutive away league games.

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Mastery Pays Off Again

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have developed a more structured, controlled approach. However, their struggles in the final third have highlighted their need for an elite forward this season.

One of the key areas of improvement for the Gunners has been set-piece efficiency, with Merino’s goal marking Arsenal’s 11th goal from corners this season—a testament to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s impact.

Meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in his return to the starting lineup, celebrating his first senior England call-up with a composed performance.

Encouragingly for Arsenal fans, Bukayo Saka was spotted pitchside before kickoff, with Arteta confirming that the winger is “getting closer” to a return ahead of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid next month.

Chelsea’s Struggles Without Palmer Continue

Chelsea’s top-four hopes suffered another setback as they slumped to four consecutive away defeats.

Palmer’s absence was a major blow, with the 22-year-old contributing to 38% of Chelsea’s league goals this season (20 goals/assists). Despite not scoring in his last seven games, his creativity and movement were sorely missed.

Manager Enzo Maresca deployed Pedro Neto as a central striker, but the Portuguese forward struggled against Arsenal’s well-organized defense.

Although Chelsea have made strides under Maresca, their lack of attacking risk in the final third continues to hold them back. To secure Champions League qualification, they must improve their efficiency in front of goal and end their poor away form.