EPL: Arsenal edge Chelsea as Mikel Merino’s header proves decisive

Arsenal picked a crucial 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Merino’s first-half header proving the difference in a tightly contested London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side, looking to bounce back from a three-game winless run in the Premier League, started brightly, with Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Martinelli all going close.

Their breakthrough came when Martin Ødegaard’s corner found Merino, who guided a looping header into the far corner—his fourth goal in seven appearances.

Despite a scrappy second half with few clear-cut chances, Arsenal held firm.

Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez made a crucial save to deny Merino a second, but the Gunners saw out the win to restore their four-point cushion in second place behind leaders Nottingham Forest.