Arsenal Edge Chelsea 1-0 as Mikel Merino’s Header Revives Title Hopes:

In a dramatic clash on Sunday, Arsenal faced off against Chelsea and emerged victorious with a score of 1-0. This victory not only marked their first win in four matches, but also boosted their chances of catching up to the leaders, Liverpool. Arsenal’s goal came off a Martin Odegaard corner in the first half; Mikel Merino managed to secure a goal in the 20th minute after performing a marvelous flicking header over the Chelsea goaltender, Robert Sanchez.

After the Arsenal striker’s goal, Sanchez thwarted the Spanish midfielder's attempt in the second half. She was close to scoring another goal for the team off of a stunning volley, but Sanchez’s skillful save denied her once again.

After the match, Arsenal’s head coach claimed it was an important match and they desperately sought a win: “It was a big game and we wanted to win against a top team. We did enough to deserve to win the game.”

Sanchez’s efforts were in vain, as Chelsea were missing several key players. Their leading goal scorer, Cole Palmer, was sidelined due to an injury, leaving Nicolas Jackson as the only option.

Without them in the lineup, Chelsea lacked the punch necessary to trouble Arsenal's rear guard. The closest Chelsea came to an equaliser was during the 37th minute when defender Marc Cucurella hit an angled volley which had the Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya completely beaten but unfortunately went wide of the goal.

That victory left second placed Arsenal 12 points adrift of Liverpool who later on Sunday come up against Newcastle United in the League Cup final. The top two sides have now played 29 matches with 9 rounds of fixtures remaining. Chelsea sit in 4th position a point ahead of Manchester City and five adrift of third placed Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo left no doubt when speaking with Sky Sports as he said: “We want to play Champions League football in the next season. Sure the teams are close, but we are just focused on ourselves because that is what is most important. The coveted ouviring goal for us is to partecipate in the Champions League football.”