Arsenal player ratings: Merino's header secures 1-0 London derby win over Chelsea | OneFootball

In a battle between two of the top London clubs in the Premier League, it was Arsenal who emerged victorious at the Emirates Stadium. The home side secured a 1-0 win courtesy of a Mikel Merino header from a Martin Ødegaard corner kick. Despite dominating possession in the second half, Chelsea failed to create anything meaningful, much to the delight of the home fans. The result sees the Gunners go into the international break 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool in second place.

First Half: Arsenal Take the Lead

The game started with Arsenal in control for most of the first half, frequently delivering dangerous crosses into the Chelsea box. The first real chance came after a poor pass from Robert Sánchez gifted the ball to Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian was unable to capitalize.

Arsenal’s persistence was soon rewarded. A well-delivered corner from Ødegaard was slightly nodded up by Mikel Merino, and with Sánchez completely misjudging the flight of the ball, it sailed into the net to give the Gunners the lead.

Chelsea’s goalkeeper had more shaky moments, but Arsenal failed to take further advantage. Later, a rare Chelsea attack saw Marc Cucurella’s first-time volley fumbled by David Raya, but the ball went out much to his relief. Chelsea had the bulk of possession towards the end of the half, but Arsenal stood firm, ensuring they went into the break leading 1-0.

Second Half: Arsenal See It Out

Chelsea dominated possession in the second half, but Arsenal remained in control, limiting the visitors' attacking threat. The closest either team came to scoring was when Merino got on the end of a Gabriel Martinelli cross, only for Sánchez to make a crucial goal-line save. Despite Chelsea’s attempts to find an equalizer, Arsenal defended resolutely and saw out the game to claim yet another victory over their London rivals.

Arsenal Player Ratings (4-3-3)

David Raya – 7/10

Raya got lucky in the first half after fumbling a Cucurella volley but recovered well. He was quick to clear the ball multiple times when Chelsea played long. A relatively comfortable outing for the goalkeeper.

Jurrien Timber – 7/10

Timber created an early chance after getting the better of Cucurella. He delivered a few good crosses and was solid defensively.

William Saliba – 6.5/10

The Frenchman had a calm game, strong in defense, and was rarely troubled by Chelsea’s attack.

Gabriel – 7/10

Gabriel defended well and picked up a yellow card for a foul on Reece James. He carried the ball forward effectively and played a well-weighted through ball. The center-back showed composure in the dying moments, heading the ball back to Raya to relieve pressure.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7/10

The 18-year-old made some good attacking runs in the first half and often drifted inside. He won a free kick in a dangerous position in the second half. The left-back had a few nervy defensive moments but did well overall.

Martin Ødegaard – 7.5/10

The captain delivered the corner that led to Arsenal’s goal and pressed Chelsea well. He was booked for a foul on Cucurella.

Thomas Partey – 6.5/10

Partey was lucky not to see red for a high boot on Pedro Neto. Later received he a yellow card. An okay performance overall from him.

Declan Rice – 6.5/10

Rice had a decent shot in the first half but wasted a free kick in the second. Not his most influential performance.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10

The Brazilian started brightly with strong runs, easily getting past Benoît Badiashile. He made some good crosses but wasn’t a consistent threat to Chelsea’s defense.

Mikel Merino – 7.5/10

Merino scored the game’s only goal with a well-placed header. He pressed effectively and forced a good save from Sánchez in the second half.

Leandro Trossard – 6/10

Trossard had an early chance after Sánchez’s misplaced pass but failed to convert. He missed another opportunity later in the first half. Nevertheless, he worked hard off the ball.

Sub: Ethan Nwaneri – 5/10 (on 78’ for Gabriel Martinelli)

The 17-year-old struggled to make an impact.

Sub: Kieran Tierney – 5/10 (on 90’ for Martin Ødegaard)

Tierney did not have much time to influence the game.

Manager: Mikel Arteta – 7/10