Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in a closely contested London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The decisive moment came in the 20th minute when Mikel Merino expertly headed in Martin Ødegaard’s corner at the near post, marking Arsenal’s first goal from a corner in several matches.
Chelsea, hindered by the absence of key player Cole Palmer due to injury, struggled to create significant offensive threats throughout the match. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made several crucial saves to keep Chelsea in contention, but the team lacked cohesion in the attacking third.
Arsenal’s defense remained resolute, effectively neutralizing Chelsea’s attempts to find an equalizer. The Gunners maintained control for much of the game, with Ødegaard’s creative playmaking posing continuous challenges for Chelsea’s midfield and defense.
This win narrows the gap between Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool to nine points, keeping their title aspirations alive. Conversely, Chelsea’s defeat highlights ongoing struggles, particularly in away fixtures, as they aim to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Both teams will now look to regroup during the international break, with Arsenal building on this momentum and Chelsea seeking solutions to their recent challenges.
