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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ed Aarons at the Emirates Stadium

Merino strike proves the difference as strikerless Arsenal sink Chelsea

Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey and their Arsenal teammates celebrate the sole goal in the tie that leaves them 12 points off first place in the Premier League with nine games to play.
Mikel Merino (centre) and his Arsenal teammates celebrate the winning goal. Photograph: Allstar Picture Library Ltd/Neal Simpson/Apl/Sportsphoto

Mikel Arteta had promised that Arsenal would not give up on their title dream easily and, although they remain 12 points behind the champions-elect Liverpool after one of the most comfortable 1-0 win you will see, there remains hope in this part of north London.

Mikel Merino’s first-half goal from a corner – Arsenal’s 11th of the season but first since mid-January – proved enough to see off a toothless ­Chelsea side who looked badly short of ­inspiration without their talisman Cole Palmer and secure a first win in four league games.

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