**Mikel Merino**’s first-half header saw **Arsenal**beat London rivals Chelsea 1-0, as the Gunners returned to Premier League action at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The makeshift striker’s goal came via a corner in the 20th minute, his flick from Martin Ødegaard’s delivery finding its way over Robert Sanchez and into the far corner.
That opening goal was the culmination of early Arsenal pressure, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice all going close.
Chelsea grew into the game, but could not convert possession into chances, coming closest when David Raya spilled Marc Cucurella’s volleyed effort.
Despite reducing **Liverpool**’s lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points on Sunday, much of Arsenal’s efforts in their remaining league games seem to be focused on ensuring they are not dragged into the battle for European qualification.
Here are the key takeaways from a positive afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.
Martinelli’s return provides encouragement
Without Bukayo Saka or Martinelli, Arsenal have been left without perhaps the greatest threat to any deep defence. Pace.
Martinelli’s return to the starting line-up on Sunday was a pleasant surprise, and the Brazilian made his presence known.
He constantly looked to run at the left side of Chelsea’s backline, and it was his desire to drive past Benoit Badiashile in the 20th minute which forced a corner and led to Merino’s opening goal.
Despite a lengthy absence, Martinelli has returned ahead of schedule and looks hungry to impact Arsenal’s remaining games.
On the pitch and off it, his attitude to fight for the competitions the Gunners remain in should provide inspiration and belief to his teammates.
Full-backs excel, again
Much of the positivity surrounding Arsenal’s season has come in the full-back positions.
Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly have both enjoyed superb seasons and once again stood out on Sunday, in attacking and defensive areas of the pitch.
Timber has shown incredible durability this season, especially given the ACL injury that completely ruled him out of last season.
The Dutch defender won nine duels against Chelsea and was a constant threat on the right, providing one powerful run past Cucurella which should have resulted in a goal.
Lewis-Skelly received his first England call-up last week, and was equally impressive on the left.
His highlight was a driving run towards the box, evading three Chelsea players before he was taken down by Wesley Fofana.
Merino can be proud
After coming off the bench to score a brace at Leicester City in February, Merino was asked if him playing up front was something we would be likely to see more of.
His reply was simple. “I don’t think so to be honest,” he said.
Since then, Merino has started six games as Arsenal’s striker and can be proud of his efforts.
Against Chelsea, his performance was typical of a natural striker, and not a midfielder making only his seventh-ever professional appearance up front.
His goal was brilliantly taken, the Spaniard bending down and flicking his header to achieve the height required to surpass Sanchez and open the scoring.
And he put his body on the line, taking two hits from defenders to ensure the ball was flicked on to Rice in two dangerous positions in the second half.
If Arsenal, as they should, buy adequately in the summer, this season will have been the last taste of leading an attack for Merino.
The Spaniard can leave his striking days with his head held high, having provided a reliable last-ditch option for Mikel Arteta.
The international break can provide a moment of clarity
After four months of non-stop action, March’s international break feels like the first real moment of rest for this Arsenal team.
With it, a chance to pause and analyse what is left of this season, could prove beneficial.
With nine Premier League games and a massive Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid remaining once they return, Arsenal must ensure they know what they are playing for.
While any remaining hopes of lifting the Premier League seem to be a bridge too far, the Champions League provides a real chance to lift a big title.
Real Madrid present an extremely daunting opponent, but the best teams must prove they can beat the best and, if anything, Arsenal have indicated they intend to be the best.