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In a thrilling Premier League showdown on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Arsenal clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The match, which kicked off at 15:33 UK time, saw Mikel Merino emerge as the hero, scoring the only goal of the game in the 20th minute to end Arsenal's month-long drought for a league win.
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The contest was a high-stakes battle, with Arsenal desperate to keep their slim Premier League title hopes alive and Chelsea aiming to cement their spot in the Champions League qualification race. The decisive moment came early when Merino, stepping up as Arsenal's stand-in striker, met a pinpoint corner from Martin Ødegaard with a looping header that sailed past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. This goal ignited the home crowd and set the tone for Arsenal's determined performance.
Chelsea, hampered by the absence of key players Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson due to injuries, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t breach Arsenal’s resolute defense, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who secured a clean sheet. Arsenal’s dominance in this fixture continued, extending their unbeaten streak against Chelsea to seven matches.
This win bolsters Arsenal’s hold on second place in the Premier League standings, offering a glimmer of hope in their chase of league leaders Liverpool. For Chelsea, the loss ramps up the pressure in their fight for a top-four finish and a coveted Champions League spot.
In summary, Arsenal’s 1-0 triumph over Chelsea, driven by Mikel Merino’s early strike, was a pivotal moment in their season. With key contributions from Ødegaard and a stout defensive display, the Gunners claimed three critical points, while Chelsea now face an uphill battle to regain momentum.