Arsenal secured an important 1-0 victory over Chelsea, with a goal from Mikel Merino, who continues to shine in the '9' position despite the team's lack of natural strikers. 

Mikel Merino, the Unexpected Scorer

Coach Mikel Arteta has opted to use Merino as a forward due to the injuries of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and the decision keeps paying off. In this match, Merino scored his fourth goal in seven games by heading in a corner kick at the near post, beating goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

The converted midfielder almost netted a second goal with a volley that Sánchez stopped right on the line, with goal-line technology confirming that part of the ball had crossed. Meanwhile, Chelsea struggled to create clear chances and nearly equalized with a shot from Marc Cucurella, which slipped through David Raya's legs but rolled away from the goal.

Chelsea Misses Its Stars

Mauricio Pochettino's squad felt the absence of key attackers Nico Jackson and Cole Palmer, the latter ruled out after picking up an injury in the final training session. Without them, Chelsea lacked attacking power and suffered a loss that complicates their fight for a Champions League spot.

With this defeat, Chelsea remains in fourth place but could be overtaken by Newcastle United if they win their postponed match. Meanwhile, Arsenal holds a comfortable lead over the sixth-place team and continues to dream of the top spot, although they are still twelve points behind league leaders Liverpool.