Arsenal End Losing Streak with 1-0 Victory Over Chelsea
Arsenal ended their three-match losing streak by securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday in the 29th round of the Premier League. Mikel Merino’s first-half goal was enough to seal all three points for the Gunners, who moved into second place with 58 points.
Early Chances for Arsenal
The match started with Arsenal applying pressure on Chelsea’s goal. Leandro Trossard had the first chance for the Gunners but sent his shot wide of the right post. Gabriel Martinelli followed up with a powerful shot from the left side of the box, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saved it twice.
Arsenal’s Persistent Attack and the Opening Goal
Arsenal continued to dominate, and they came closest to scoring in the 12th minute. Declan Rice had a complex opportunity, volleying the ball over the bar, then sending a low shot wide of the left post. However, the breakthrough came in the 20th minute from a well-executed corner. Martin Ødegaard’s cross found Mikel Merino, who headed it into the far left corner of the net to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.
Chelsea’s Attempts to Respond
Chelsea had a few opportunities to equalize. A counterattack led by Fernandes saw a shot wide of the goal, and Marc Cucurella nearly scored with a volley from inside the box. Arsenal goalkeeper Raya fumbled the ball but fortunately saw it go wide of the right post. Despite these attempts, Chelsea couldn’t break through Arsenal’s defense in the first half.
Second-Half Pressure and Close Calls
In the second half, Chelsea tried to level the score. Neto fired a shot from outside the penalty area, but it went over the crossbar. Arsenal almost extended their lead when Sanchez made a crucial save, denying Merino’s powerful shot that had come from a cross by Martinelli. Ødegaard had a chance to add another goal but saw his weak shot easily saved by Sanchez.
Chelsea’s Late Push and Arsenal’s Resilience
Chelsea pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, with Cucurella coming close with a weak header off a cross. However, Raya was able to deal with it comfortably. Despite Chelsea’s late pressure, Arsenal held firm, keeping a clean sheet and securing a well-deserved 1-0 win.
