Arsenal kept their slim title hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea, closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool. A first-half goal from Mikel Merino, Arsenal’s 11th from a corner this season but their first since mid-January, proved decisive against a lackluster Chelsea side struggling for form away from home.
It was another frustrating outing for Chelsea, who have now gone seven successive away league games without a win. With the battle for the top five intensifying, concerns are growing for Enzo Maresca’s side, especially given their struggles in front of goal. They have managed just three away goals since defeating Tottenham in December and never looked likely to mount a comeback.
Arsenal, desperate to regain momentum after dropping points against West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United, capitalized on Chelsea’s vulnerability. The visitors were without their key playmaker, and their lack of inspiration was evident as they struggled to break through a well-organized Arsenal side. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez endured another forgettable afternoon, his error allowing Merino’s header to loop into the net.
The home side wasted multiple opportunities to extend their lead in the opening 20 minutes. Gabriel Martinelli failed to convert a gift from Sánchez, while a potential penalty shout against Marc Cucurella went unheeded. Declan Rice fired over from close range after an accidental deflection off Reece James. The breakthrough finally came when Merino met a well-delivered corner, his deft header catching Sánchez flat-footed at the near post.
Chelsea’s tactical approach raised eyebrows, with Reece James deployed in midfield and Enzo Fernández playing in an advanced role. Both struggled to impose themselves against the relentless energy of Rice. Arsenal, missing several attacking players, still managed to dominate proceedings. Despite that, Arteta surprisingly kept Ethan Nwaneri, considered one of their best finishers, on the bench.
Wesley Fofana was fortunate to escape a red card after a high challenge on Rice, with VAR determining that the force was insufficient for a dismissal. Chelsea’s attacking woes were highlighted by the fact they failed to register a single touch in Arsenal’s penalty area for much of the first half. When they finally did create an opening, David Raya nearly gifted them an equalizer, fumbling a tame Cucurella shot before recovering.
Maresca’s side showed some improvement after halftime but lacked the cutting edge to truly test Arsenal’s defense. A brilliant save from Sánchez denied Merino a second goal, as both teams engaged in a scrappy midfield battle that saw multiple players booked. Late substitutions, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George, failed to inject any real threat for Chelsea, and the game fizzled out.
As Arsenal look ahead to a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, they can take solace in keeping their season alive. Chelsea, meanwhile, must rediscover their form quickly to avoid slipping further in the table.
