Arsenal secured a narrow, scrappy, and uninspiring victory over Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.
In a match where both teams lacked fit strippers and were missing their star players, the fans were lucky to witness even one goal.
Mikel Merino’s first-half header from a corner proved decisive in a game with limited immediate consequences. The three points still leave Arsenal 12 points behind Liverpool, while Chelsea remain in fourth place.
How the game unfolded
Within the first 200 seconds, Chelsea’s defense was under siege as Arsenal turned their defensive third into a shooting gallery. The Gunners dominated early, testing Robert Sanchez multiple times before Merino’s header found the far corner in the 20th minute.
Leandro Trossard had an early attempt go wide, while Gabriel Martinelli came close twice. Declan Rice, in particular, seemed motivated against the club that had released him from their academy at 14.
However, after failing to extend their lead, Arsenal’s intensity waned. Chelsea, missing their talisman Cole Palmer and both strikers, capitalized on Arsenal’s passivity, making the contest more even.
The half-time break disrupted Chelsea’s momentum. Arsenal, heeding Mikel Arteta’s instructions, tightened their midfield and defense, effectively applying the handbrake. The second half saw only eight shots, with just three forcing saves from either goalkeeper, none from dangerous positions.
Check out player ratings from Arsenal vs Chelsea here.
Chelsea benefited from two first-half VAR decisions, both of which sparked outrage at the Emirates. One decision was particularly contentious.
Marc Cucurella was accused of handling the ball after a tangle with Jurrien Timber in the 12th minute. VAR official Jarred Gillett ruled that Cucurella’s arm was in a natural position, with no deliberate action toward the ball. Replays supported this decision, though no explanation was given for Wesley Fofana’s stamp on Rice.
Rice had drawn Fofana into a clumsy challenge near the halfway line, and the Chelsea defender appeared to stamp on Rice’s thigh. Fofana was booked but may have been fortunate to avoid further punishment.
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Arsenal, often dubbed the Premier League’s ‘Corner Kings,’ had not scored from a corner since January’s north London derby. That changed on Sunday.
Arsenal packed the six-yard box, and Merino looped a header into the far corner. The Gunners rediscovered their set-piece prowess in this narrow victory.
While the Emirates crowd celebrated the derby win, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro might have been the most relieved spectator on Sunday.
If Remiro tuned in before his match against Rayo Vallecano, he would have seen his rivals for Spain’s goalkeeper spot, Robert Sanchez and David Raya, do little to strengthen their claims for the national team.
Sanchez, who regained his starting spot at Chelsea, appeared shaky from the start, misplacing passes and fumbling the ball. Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, also struggled, letting Cucurella’s tame effort slip through his hands.
