On Sunday, stand-in striker Mikel Merino scored a headed goal to help Arsenal beat London rivals Chelsea 1-0 for their first win in four Premier League meetings. After a Martin Odegaard corner, Merino dived to send his looping header over Robert Sanchez in the 20th minute.
After leading Arsenal’s assault in recent weeks, the Spanish midfielder nearly scored a second goal in the 60th minute, but Sanchez saved his side-footed volley.
“It was a big game and we wanted to win against a top team,” Mikel Arteta told the BBC.
“We played well enough to win. Let’s relax over the international break and maybe bring back some players.”
Chelsea were also without top scorer Cole Palmer and centre forward Nicolas Jackson due to injury. Chelsea failed to attack Arsenal’s defence without them. In the 37th minute, defender Marc Cucurella hit an angled volley at David Raya that went wide.
The win left Arsenal 12 points behind Liverpool, who play Newcastle United in the League Cup final on Sunday.
Nine rounds remain for the top two teams after 29 games. Chelsea are fourth, one point ahead of Manchester City and five behind Nottingham Forest.
“We want Champions League football next season,” Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo told Sky Sports. The teams are tight, but we focus on ourselves since that’s most essential. Champions League football is our goal.”
