Arsenal's dominance over Chelsea continues!
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) March 16, 2025
The Gunners are now unbeaten in 7 straight PL meetings—their longest league run without defeat vs. Chelsea since 1995-2005!pic.twitter.com/YLJXRfm6oj
Mikel Merino’s first-half header proved decisive as Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to 12 points. Both teams entered the match without their star strikers, with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz sidelined for the season due to a hamstring injury and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson also absent. The Blues were further hampered by the absence of Cole Palmer, their standout performer this season, marking the first time they have played without him since their 5-0 thrashing by Arsenal in April 2023.
Arsenal, deploying Merino as a makeshift striker, dominated the early exchanges, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice all coming close to breaking the deadlock. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Merino expertly flicked Martin Odegaard’s curling corner past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Chelsea’s best chance fell to Marc Cucurella, whose powerful shot slipped through David Raya’s hands but rolled agonizingly wide of the post. Sanchez, recently reinstated as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper, endured a shaky performance, drawing jeers from the home crowd for his hesitant distribution. Despite a second-half save to deny Merino a second goal, Chelsea failed to find an equalizer, leaving Arsenal to celebrate a crucial win.
With Liverpool not in Premier League action this weekend due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal capitalized on the opportunity to close the gap at the top. The victory keeps their title hopes alive, while Chelsea’s struggles continue, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino with much to ponder ahead of their next fixture.
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