Arsenal Narrowly Defeat Chelsea to Solidify Second Place in Premier League
Mikel Merino's first-half header ends Arsenal's winless streak, while Chelsea's top-four hopes face mounting pressure.
- Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 20th minute from a Martin Odegaard corner.
- The win ends Arsenal's three-game winless run in the Premier League and strengthens their hold on second place, now 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.
- Chelsea struggled offensively in the absence of Cole Palmer and remain in fourth place, just one point ahead of Manchester City and within reach of several chasing teams.
- Arsenal's defensive organization and high-energy play limited Chelsea to a single significant chance, with David Raya narrowly avoiding an error on a Marc Cucurella shot.
- Elsewhere, Fulham defeated Tottenham 2-0, moving into eighth place and intensifying the competition for Champions League qualification.