Premier League: Mikel Merino Settles London Derby As Arsenal Outclass Chelsea In Narrow Victory

Mikel Merino has helped Arsenal to sink Chelsea in a Premier League London derby. With this victory, the Gunners have now stamped their authority in the English top flight and have moved within 12 points of the table toppers Liverpool who are scheduled to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Arsenal Defeat Chelsea To Cement 2nd Spot In EPL

Merino rose high to head home Martin Odegaard’s near post corner at the stroke of 20 mins and it proved to be the difference between the two EPL giants. Arsenal are now four points clear of Nottingham Forest and nine points adrift of Chelsea who are sitting in the third and fourth place respectively. Arsenal made sure they enter the international break with the right momentum and the onus will be on Mikel Arteta to keep up his team's spirit when they take on Fulham and Everton, followed by the big ticket clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

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Mikel Arteta Heaps Praise On His Team

Arteta praises his team's performance after the game. In an interaction with BBC Match Of The Day he said, ""We did enough to deserve to win the game.

"Now we have the international break so let's take a chance to breathe and bring some players back hopefully.

"We weren't able to finish some of the actions. I really liked the attitude of the team."

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Cole Palmer missed out due to an injury and his absence was felt on the pitch. The Gunners again used Merino as a makeshift striker and they moved paid dividends. The North London side is now on a seven-match unbeaten streak against the Blues in the Premier League.

Chelsea came close to equalising when Mark Cucurella's powerful shot got through David Raya's hands but the ball just missed the target.