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.