Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, earning their first win in four Premier League matches and keeping their slim title hopes alive. Stand-in striker Mikel Merino scored the only goal in the 20th minute, expertly flicking a header over goalkeeper Robert Sánchez from a Martin Ødegaard corner.
Merino nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead in the second half, but his volley was denied by a strong save from Sánchez. Chelsea, missing key attackers Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, struggled to create chances. Their best opportunity came in the 37th minute when Marc Cucurella’s volley slipped through David Raya’s hands but rolled wide.
The win keeps Arsenal second, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, with nine games remaining. Chelsea remain fourth, one point ahead of Manchester City and five behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.
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