Mikel Merino’s 20th-minute header extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run against Chelsea to seven Premier League matches and dented the Blues’ hopes of a top-four finish at the Emirates Stadium.
Makeshift centre-forward Merino flicked Martin Odegaard’s corner beyond goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to cap a dominant performance by his side, who went close before the opener through shots by Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard and a Jurrien Timber header.
Chelsea went closest when Marc Cucurella’s powerful shot went through David Raya’s hands and dribbled just past a post, but Enzo Maresca’s side have now suffered four successive league away defeats, last winning on their top-flight travels at Tottenham on December 8.
Maresca had to make do without top scorer Cole Palmer, with the Italian revealing before kick-off that the England international had sustained a minor injury.
Mikel Merino has done it again! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NJlaATsgL6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025
Arsenal v Chelsea: Merino masters forward role
Aside from late spells of Chelsea pressure in either half, Arsenal were worthy winners as they extended their unbeaten run in the fixture to seven matches, all of which have been in the Premier League.
Merino’s goal was their first from a corner in 52 attempts, dating back to Dominic Solanke’s own goal for Tottenham in the derby at the Emirates Stadium on January 15.
The Spain international is a midfielder but was used in his new position for the first time as a substitute in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester City on February 15, rewarding manager Mikel Arteta’s improvisational decision with both goals.
Arsenal’s 7-1 win at PSV in the Champions League on March 4 featured a goal and assist by Merino, but his goal against Chelsea was his first in the league since his double against the Foxes.
Jurrien Timber tells Enzo Maresca to ‘try harder’ before a handshake between the pair 👀🤝 pic.twitter.com/ajLREB7DYX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025
Premier League table
With nine league games remaining and a 12-point advantage over Arsenal for Liverpool, only a collapse by the leaders would give Arteta’s team a chance of winning the title.
They are, however, four points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea’s hopes of guaranteeing a Champions League place by finishing in the top four have been dented.
The Conference League quarter-finalists occupy fourth but are only a point above Manchester City and two clear of Newcastle – who have a game in hand – and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arsenal are next in action when they host Fulham, who went eighth by winning at home to Tottenham on Sunday, in the Premier League on April 1 (7.45pm GMT).
Chelsea’s next game is also in the league, hosting Spurs on April 3 (8pm).