Arsenal Narrowly Defeat Chelsea in Lackluster London Derby
Mikel Merino's first-half header secures Arsenal's 1-0 victory, while Chelsea struggle without key players in their bid for a top-four finish.
- Mikel Merino's looping header from a Martin Ødegaard corner in the 20th minute was the decisive goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
- The game was marked by a lack of attacking quality, with Arsenal missing Bukayo Saka and Chelsea struggling without Cole Palmer, who was sidelined with a muscle injury.
- Chelsea's Robert Sánchez made a crucial save in the second half to deny Merino a second goal but also had some erratic moments in goal, contributing to defensive instability.
- Chelsea managed an expected goal (xG) value of just 0.35, highlighting their struggles in attack and raising questions about their lack of creativity and intensity.
- The result strengthens Arsenal's hold on second place in the Premier League, while Chelsea's fourth-place position is under threat from multiple teams within four points.