Mikel Merino Header Seals Arsenal Win Over Chelsea In Tight London Derby

Watch the highlights as Mikel Merino’s first-half header proved decisive as Arsenal edged Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates.

Chelsea came into the game knowing that a victory would bring them within three points of Arsenal in the table, but the Gunners’ early dominance ensured they never truly gained a foothold.

Mikel Arteta’s side, desperate to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, started brightly and saw early efforts from Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice go close.

Arsenal’s early dominance paid off after 20 minutes, when Merino rose highest at the near post to meet Martin Ødegaard’s corner, heading home Arsenal’s first goal from a set-piece since January.

The game remained tense, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Chelsea’s best chance of the first half came just before the break when Marc Cucurella’s volley was mishandled by David Raya, only for the ball to trickle past the post to spare the goalkeeper’s blushes.

The second half saw Arsenal continue to control possession, though they failed to add to their lead. Merino nearly doubled his tally with a well-struck volley, forcing a reflex save from Robert Sánchez.

Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled to break through a disciplined Arsenal defence, producing just 0.35 expected goals (xG) in a match where chances were at a .

Tempers flared at times, with six yellow cards shown, but Arsenal held firm to see out a crucial win that reduces their deficit to 12 points behind Liverpool.

WATCH: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea Highlights

Victory for Arsenal keeps their faint Premier League title hopes alive while extending their unbeaten run against Chelsea to seven matches.

Enzo Maresca’s side remain fourth, still in contention for a Champions League place, but will see this as a missed opportunity to put pressure on their London rivals.

While Arteta’s men may have left it too late in the title race, the win provides a boost as they look to finish the season strongly, particularly with Real Madrid looming in the Champions League.