Arsenal show big-game mentality with victory over Chelsea | OneFootball

Arsenal battled past Chelsea with a 1-0 victory, grinding out a crucial win in a tense London derby.

Mikel Merino’s first-half header from a corner settled the contest, Arsenal’s first set-piece goal in over two months. “Very happy because that will generate belief in the team again,” Arteta said. “It’s something that we’re missing.”

Chelsea, without the influential Cole Palmer, struggled to create chances and barely tested David Raya. It was the seventh consecutive away league game without a win for Enzo Maresca’s side, whose attacking struggles continued.

Arsenal started on the front foot, pressing with intensity and creating openings, but their lack of clinical finishing kept Chelsea in the game. “A lot of chances that we didn’t put away,” Arteta admitted. “But the attitude from the start was exactly what I wanted.”

The second goal never arrived, leaving Arsenal vulnerable late on, but their defensive structure held firm. Raya was rarely troubled, with the visitors restricted to hopeful efforts. “We have conceded almost nothing,” Arteta said. “And that is a big credit to the team.”

Set-piece goals had dried up in recent months, but Merino’s finish was a reminder of their importance. “With the amount of injuries we have, very happy with that,” Arteta said. “It gives us another way to win games.”

Defensively, Arsenal were organised and disciplined, stopping Chelsea’s attacking patterns before they could develop. “In my opinion, they are the best attacking team in the league,” Arteta said. “And we stopped them.”

Unbeaten against the traditional ‘big six’ for a second straight season, Arsenal continue to prove they can match any side. “We are capable of competing consistently at really high standards,” Arteta said. “And that is what we demand of ourselves.”

Chelsea remain outside the Champions League spots, lacking conviction in attack and struggling to turn possession into clear chances. The visitors had more of the ball late on but never looked like breaking through.

Arsenal now turn their focus to their next challenge, knowing that every point matters in the closing weeks. “We have to win our football matches,” Arteta said. “That’s all that matters now.”