Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s fight after his side’s 1-0 win over Chelsea, but a series of baffling referee and VAR decisions – including a missed penalty – left fans furious at PGMOL once again.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Match Referee Chris Kavanagh gestures as Pedro Neto of Chelsea and Leandro Trossard of Arsenal react during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates, with Mikel Merino scoring the only goal in the first half, but the game was marred by controversial refereeing decisions.
After the final whistle, Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience but admitted they should have put the game to bed earlier.
Arsenal started the match with intensity, Martin Ødegaard providing the assist for Merino’s deft header from a corner in the 20th minute.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Despite their dominance, the Gunners were denied a clear penalty when Marc Cucurella appeared to deliberately handle the ball inside the Chelsea box. VAR, led by Jarred Gillett, deemed the defender’s arm to be in an “expected position” and upheld Chris Kavanagh’s on-field decision.
Then Wesley Fofana stamped on Declan Rice, a challenge that many expected to be a red card. Instead, VAR ruled there was “insufficient force” to justify a dismissal, and Fofana remained on the pitch without even receiving a booking.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Gabriel of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
The French defender went on to commit multiple fouls, escaping punishment until he was eventually booked – not for a foul – but for throwing a second ball onto the pitch as Myles Lewis-Skelly tried to take a throw-in.
After the match, Mikel Arteta acknowledged Arsenal’s need to be more clinical but praised his team’s fighting spirit.
“We did enough to deserve to win the game,” Arteta told BBC Match of the Day. “We weren’t able to finish some of the actions, but I really liked the attitude of the team. It was a big game and we wanted to win against a top team.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates William Saliba and Martin Odegaard during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Asked about Arsenal’s position heading into the international break, Arteta said: “The only thing we can do is try to win our matches. If we do, we are in a better position.”
The Arsenal manager also revealed his satisfaction with Merino’s contribution despite the midfielder being deployed in an unfamiliar forward role.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Merino of Arsenal look out of a team huddle during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
“We have had top players out for many many months,” he said. “Our team has an incredible resilience. Mikel really wants to do well, he has never played that position before but he is scoring goals. He is a really dangerous player in the box and he can help us.
“Really pleased, even physically it is a very different game to play as a nine.”
Looking ahead, Bukayo Saka is expected to step up his recovery and could return for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
“He has a good chance, yes,” Arteta said when asked about Saka’s return after the international break.
Arsenal’s win puts them four points clear of Nottingham Forest in third, a step closer to guaranteeing Champions League qualification, while Chelsea remain nine points adrift of the Gunners in fourth.
Related Posts