Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea won’t be a game to remember from football’s highest level in any of the major competition’s highlight packages. Then style points are as relevant as a chocolate teapot, this being when the season’s at that stage. What matters? Winning. But Mikel Arteta’s side did the business as they ground out a precious win to preserve hopes of Champions League football.
"They are working with the same manager five years"
Enzo Maresca says the aim is to close the gap between Chelsea and Arsenal 📈pic.twitter.com/O05NwM4RAV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 14, 2025
It all followed the Gunners’ usual form, coming flying out of the blocks. This time, their early dominance proved to be paying off. Mikel Merino bagged Newcastle’s 1st as he flicked Martin Odegaard’s corner past a helpless Chelsea defense in the 20th minute. What will follow will be wild celebrations and, realistically, a collective sigh of relief from within the Emirates.
Arsenal, however, opened the door wide for Chelsea to crash the party, which they never like to do. The visitors did try to spoil the atmosphere, but Arsenal’s defense withstood all, and only David Raya’s butterfingers moment gave any hope to Chelsea.
Merino Magic and Defensive Grit Sink Chelsea
Arsenal fans have learned this season just to brace themselves for heart stopping moments. There were fewer than usual against Chelsea, Arteta’s touchline trousers abutting Arteta’s touchline trousers.
His goal was to be the difference-maker, but behind him were the unsung heroes. Arsenal’s backline, who had endured a torrid couple of matches, patched things up with the stubborn streak. It seemed as if Chelsea barely made a glove at them for their attacking flair.
And if you’re one of those wondering if Arteta was pleased, well, he was. Post-match, he beamed about the attitude of the team. Who would have blamed him given Arsenal’s recent wobble?
Blues Left Frustrated as Arsenal Turns the Tide
This was not just three priceless points for Arsenal but a psychological lift forcibly pointed in the right direction. Now, doubts were creeping in that much faster than Chelsea’s forwards can. However, this performance proved that the Gunners are capable of performing when under pressure.
And Arsenal escaped while Chelsea, meanwhile, was left ruining missed opportunities as well as wondering how they let the Gunners get away. The beauty of football—and, yes, also the rest of the world—is that whatever you do not attend to, you will lose.
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