London, March 16: Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s early goal, while Fulham bolstered their European aspirations with a late 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.
Merino Seals Arsenal’s Win Over Chelsea
Arsenal moved within 12 points of Premier League leaders Liverpool after a hard-fought triumph over Chelsea. With both teams missing their first-choice strikers—Kai Havertz sidelined for the season and Nicolas Jackson out for Chelsea—Mikel Arteta once again deployed Merino as a makeshift forward.The Gunners dominated from the outset, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice all going close before Merino broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. The Spaniard flicked on a curling corner from Martin Odegaard past a stretching Robert Sanchez, securing what proved to be the match-winning goal.
Chelsea, missing their talisman Cole Palmer for the first time since last season’s 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity came when Marc Cucurella’s powerful strike slipped through David Raya’s hands, only for the ball to roll just wide. Robert Sanchez, reinstated as Chelsea’s No. 1 goalkeeper, endured a mixed performance, producing an excellent save to deny Merino in the second half but also appearing shaky under pressure.
Despite Arsenal’s structured and disciplined approach under Arteta, their attacking struggles remain evident, especially in the absence of an elite forward. However, their proficiency from set-pieces—evidenced by Merino’s goal, their 11th from a corner this season—continues to be a decisive factor, with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s influence proving invaluable.
Fulham Sink Spurs to Keep European Dream Alive
Fulham continued their push for a European spot with a well-earned 2-0 victory over Tottenham, marking their second consecutive home win against Spurs for the first time in 19 years. Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon struck late to breathe life into what had been a cagey London derby.
Chances were scarce in the first half, with Fulham’s Timothy Castagne and Spurs’ Ben Davies producing the only on-target efforts. As the second half progressed, Tottenham looked the more likely to score, but Dominic Solanke squandered multiple opportunities, including missing an open goal from five yards.
Muniz, a second-half substitute, broke the deadlock in the 75th minute with a composed side-footed finish. As Spurs pushed for an equaliser, they were caught on the counter, with former Tottenham full-back Sessegnon curling in the decisive second goal to seal Fulham’s victory.Marco Silva, managing his 200th Premier League game, would have been frustrated with his team’s lack of creativity for much of the contest, but their resilience and clinical finishing in the final 15 minutes ensured three crucial points. Fulham now sit eighth, just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, keeping their hopes of a historic European qualification alive.
For Spurs, the defeat extends their disappointing league form, leaving them in 13th place and facing the real possibility of finishing outside the top 10 for the first time in 17 years. Ange Postecoglou’s decision to rest key players, including Son Heung-min and James Maddison, has come under scrutiny, with Tottenham seemingly prioritising their Europa League campaign. (Agencies)