Last updated on March 16, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last seven Premier League matches against Chelsea.
Image credit: Premier League
Mikel Merino’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 win for Arsenal over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, keeping the Gunners in contention for a strong finish in the Premier League.
Match Recap
Arsenal dominated the early proceedings and took the lead in the 20th minute when Merino expertly flicked in a curling corner from Martin Ødegaard, leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with no chance.
The home side continued to press, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli coming close to doubling the advantage.
Arsenal win three successive home league games 🆚 Chelsea for the first time in 22 years 🔴📍 pic.twitter.com/KjzPvlZRGg
— LiveScore (@livescore) March 16, 2025
Chelsea, missing key attacker Cole Palmer, struggled to break down Arsenal’s organized defense.
Their best opportunity came late in the second half when Marc Cucurella’s powerful strike slipped through David Raya’s gloves, only to roll just wide of the post.
Arsenal’s Strength in Set-Pieces
Mikel Arteta’s side has been lethal from dead-ball situations this season, with Merino’s goal marking their 11th from a corner in all competitions.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s impact has been evident, with Arsenal consistently converting crucial chances from these scenarios.
Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in midfield on his return to the starting lineup, showcasing the depth in Arsenal’s squad.
Arsenal are 12 points behind Liverpool after today's win over Chelsea.
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 16, 2025
Nine matches remain ⌛️#ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/U2OeuPDDeX
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, who was seen pitchside before the match, is edging closer to a return, which will be a huge boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Chelsea’s Struggles Without Palmer
Chelsea’s lack of cutting edge was evident in the absence of Cole Palmer, who has been directly involved in 38% of their Premier League goals this season.
Manager Enzo Maresca opted for Pedro Neto as a central striker in Nicolas Jackson’s absence, but Arsenal’s defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães neutralized Chelsea’s attacking threats.
The Blues have now gone seven away league matches without a win and suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on the road.
With the race for European spots heating up, Chelsea will need a drastic improvement in attack to stay in contention for a Champions League place.
What’s Next?
Arsenal’s victory keeps them in second place, though still trailing league leaders Liverpool by 12 points.
With a crucial Champions League quarter-final on the horizon, Arteta’s men will hope to carry their domestic form into Europe.
