Arsenal Narrowly Defeat Chelsea as Merino’s Header Keeps Slim Title Hopes Alive

Arsenal secured a vital 1-0 victory over Chelsea in their Premier League clash on Sunday, thanks to a well-placed header from Mikel Merino. The Gunners, who were 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool heading into the game, managed to reduce the gap to 12 points with this crucial win.

With Liverpool not in action this weekend due to their Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta’s men knew that only a win would keep their faint title hopes alive. And they certainly came out with intent.

From the first whistle, Arsenal dominated proceedings, pushing Chelsea onto the back foot. The Gunners created numerous chances in the first half and should have been at least three goals up. Yet, it was Merino’s thumping header from a corner kick that proved to be the match-winner.

Despite Chelsea’s late push for an equalizer, Arsenal’s defense held firm. The Blues, missing the creativity of Cole Palmer who was left out of the squad due to a tight hamstring, struggled to find a breakthrough.

Opinion: Can Arsenal’s Late Surge Change the Title Race?

This result will certainly be a relief for Arteta and Arsenal fans, but the bigger question is whether the Gunners can maintain this momentum with only nine games left to play. The title may seem out of reach, but football is unpredictable.

Liverpool’s consistency makes them clear favorites, but Arsenal’s determination to claw back points shows they haven’t thrown in the towel just yet. Their next test comes against Fulham after the international break, while Liverpool faces the ever-feisty Merseyside Derby against Everton.

Can Arsenal pull off a dramatic comeback, or is it too little, too late?