Arsenal’s Narrow Victory Over Chelsea Highlights Both Teams’ Struggles
In a match that seemed to mirror the broader struggles of both teams this season, Arsenal managed to edge out Chelsea with a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. While the Gunners secured the win, the game underscored why neither side is likely to claim the top prizes they covet this season. The match took place against the backdrop of the Carabao Cup final, where Liverpool and Newcastle United were vying for the first major honor of the season, a competition from which both Arsenal and Chelsea had been eliminated by Newcastle.
Arsenal’s victory was deserved, yet their inability to convert dominance into a more decisive scoreline highlighted ongoing attacking issues. These issues have all but dashed their title hopes. The absence of key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli was felt, but Chelsea also had their share of missing stars, including Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. Chelsea’s attack appeared stilted, a work in progress under coach Enzo Maresca.
Palmer’s absence was particularly noticeable, though critics might argue he has been missing in action for some time, with his last goal dating back to January 14. The match’s only goal came from Mikel Merino in the 20th minute, a header that set Arsenal into a rhythm Chelsea struggled to disrupt. However, the second half fizzled out, with both teams seemingly resigned to their fate, managing just one shot on target each after the 64th minute.
Meanwhile, at Wembley, Liverpool and Newcastle United were preparing to contest the Carabao Cup final. Both Arsenal and Chelsea had been knocked out of this competition by Newcastle, with goals conceded to Alexander Isak, a player who exemplifies the elite-level center-forward both teams desperately need.
Merino’s contribution was crucial for Arsenal, but as manager Mikel Arteta noted, he is more of a stop-gap solution. “It is the emergency situation that we are in at the moment but the way he’s approaching it is incredible,” Arteta said post-match. “He wants to understand everything, he wants to learn from it, he’s very critical of himself all the time and at the end, the reality is that he’s winning football matches for us, which is incredible; he’s never played in that position before in his life.”
Arteta expressed a desire for a more convincing scoreline, given the team’s performance. “But today, I would like to see a different scoreline to be fair, with the amount of things that we do so well, the end product there has to improve because the moment you [don’t do that], you are very far away from the position,” he added.
Chelsea, on the other hand, seem to lack even a temporary solution. Pedro Neto has had moments leading the line, but he appeared lightweight against Arsenal’s robust defense. Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku struggled to make an impact from the flanks, while Enzo Fernández seemed more interested in turning the game into a physical battle.
- Arsenal’s only goal came from a set piece, the first they have scored from since January 15.
- Merino’s header was intended as a flick-on but ended up looping over Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
- Arteta hopes this goal will boost the team’s belief and confidence.
Despite the loss, Chelsea remain in fourth place, still in the hunt for a coveted Champions League spot. They also have the Conference League on the horizon, a competition they should win, although their labored round-of-16 win over F.C. København raises concerns. The early-season freedom in their football feels like a distant memory.
Perhaps a break is what Palmer needs to reinvigorate himself and his side, with Maresca confirming he is unlikely to join up with England later this month due to a “muscular injury.” The manager added: “We don’t wish for a player injury but in Cole’s case in this moment it gives him some rest, mentally and physically. So it could be good.”
Similarly, Saka’s return is penciled in for early April, and as the most effective and efficient member of Arsenal’s attack, they can expect to improve with him back in the side. Their Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid looks daunting, but they can approach it with some momentum if they continue to keep league leaders Liverpool honest in the title run-in.
Arsenal’s physicality, a trait they lacked before Arteta’s arrival, was key to their victory. Chelsea, meanwhile, have struggled away from home, without a league win on the road since December, and have faltered against the traditional big six sides.
“What I can say between the first game against Arsenal [a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in November] and today’s game, to be honest, I don’t see a big difference between us and them,” said Maresca. “This means we are, for me, since I arrived, I have the feeling we are on the right path and we are very close. We need just that step forward to compete in these kinds of games. That step comes finishing in the top four, top five, Champions League spot.”
Both these sides may well achieve that. But both want considerably more.
Originally Written by: James Olley
