Merino Strike Secures Arsenal Victory Over Chelsea

Both teams entered the match without their first-choice strikers—Kai Havertz sidelined for the season with a hamstring injury for Arsenal, while Chelsea were missing Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea also had to cope without their key playmaker, Cole Palmer, who was ruled out through injury. It was the first time the Blues had played without him since their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in April last season.

Arsenal, once again deploying Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, controlled the early exchanges, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice all threatening.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Merino flicked on a curling Martin Ødegaard corner, guiding the ball past a stretching Robert Sánchez.

Chelsea’s best chance to salvage a result came when Marc Cucurella’s powerful strike slipped through David Raya’s hands, only to roll narrowly wide of the post.

Sánchez, recently reinstated as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, endured a nervy evening, struggling with aerial deliveries and facing jeers from the home crowd when in possession. However, he produced a superb save to deny Merino a second goal in the second half.

Despite their efforts, Chelsea couldn’t find an equalizer, leaving Arsenal to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, who were not in action due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup final.

Arsenal get the job done

Arsenal have aimed for a more controlled style of play since their first serious push for the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta a couple of seasons ago.

However, their attacking approach has faced criticism, and this season has further highlighted their need for an elite forward, with injuries disrupting their key attacking players at various points.

While Arsenal remain a well-organized side under Arteta, they have often struggled to capitalize on good attacking positions—a recurring issue that has contributed to their decline in the title race.

Merino’s goal, Arsenal’s 11th from corners across all competitions this season, underscores the impact of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. Their efficiency from dead-ball situations has been a valuable asset in tight matches.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, back in the starting lineup, delivered another impressive performance as he celebrated his first senior England call-up.

Bukayo Saka was seen pitchside before the match, and with Arteta confirming he is “getting closer” to a return, Arsenal fans will be hoping he is available for their Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid next month.

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Chelsea struggle without Palmer

Chelsea’s primary objective this season remains Champions League qualification, and the race for European spots looks set to go down to the final weeks.

Their chances of securing a result in this match took a major hit with the absence of Cole Palmer.

Chelsea have netted 53 goals in the Premier League this season, with Palmer directly contributing to 20 of them (38%). While the 22-year-old has not been at his sharpest, failing to score in his last seven games, his creativity and attacking threat were sorely missed.

Manager Enzo Maresca opted for Pedro Neto as a central striker in Nicolas Jackson’s absence, but he struggled to trouble an organized and disciplined Arsenal defense.

Despite clear progress under Maresca, Chelsea must take more risks in the final third if they are to secure a top-four finish.

The Blues are now winless in their last seven away league games, losing their previous four on the road—an issue they must resolve to keep their Champions League hopes alive.