There were times when this felt more like a fouling contest than a football match. A day for petty squabbling rather than pretty passing. In the end, then, it was probably fair that the team that played more football — just about — was the team that claimed all three points. 

Across 90 angsty minutes, there was only one real moment of attacking class: Mikel Merino’s exceptional header, flicked into the far corner in the first half. The Arsenal midfielder-turned-striker will never be a proper centre-forward but this was an intervention of which even the most traditional number nine would be proud. 

For Arsenal it was a necessary victory, rather than a thrilling one. It ended a run of three league games without a win, and eased the growing fears in north London that Mikel Arteta’s team might just be dragged into the scrap for the Champions League places. The gap to fifth-placed Manchester City now stands at 10 points.

Arteta’s side have become bottom-heavy since the injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka (Gabriel Martinelli is now back in action) and they will need to rely on their defence in the remaining weeks of the campaign. They should be happy to do so: Arsenal’s defensive record is the best in the Premier League and they rarely seemed troubled here, aside from an uncomfortable moment when David Raya almost pushed Marc Cucurella’s shot into his own net. 

Days like these, against other so-called ‘big six’ sides, often bring the best out of Arsenal’s key defensive players. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were in control throughout, as is so often the case. Much is made of the need to renew Saliba’s deal (it expires in two years) but the same is also true of Gabriel, who is in the same contractual situation. They are just as important as each other. 

“We conceded almost nothing, apart from the strange save by David,” said Arteta. “That is a big credit to the team.”

As for Chelsea? Well, they were beaten 5-0 on their last trip to the Emirates and they clearly decided that they were not going to be bullied this time around. Their problem was that it felt, for large parts of the game, that they were more focused on battling with their opponents than actually playing their game. 

The loss of Cole Palmer to injury seemed to rob Chelsea not only of their attacking class but also their mental composure. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo lunged into tackles and tried to start fights. Pedro Neto was booked for shouting at the referee. Wesley Fofana could have been sent off for planting his studs into the backside of Declan Rice. 

Even Enzo Maresca was drawn into the niggly nature of it, as the Chelsea head coach found himself locked in a touchline squabble with Jurrien Timber, the Arsenal full-back, in the final moments. Timber appeared to be telling Maresca to “try harder”, before the disagreement ended with a rather curt handshake. 

Evidently, this was not a day for emotional control. Indeed, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez appeared on the edge of a meltdown for most of the match, flapping at crosses and passing the ball straight to Arsenal attackers. The Spaniard did produce one excellent save, to deny Merino a second goal, but once again it was far from a convincing showing. 

Chelsea have received the most yellow cards of any Premier League team this season. In the first half, especially, you could see why. There were spells here when it felt like Arsenal might be vulnerable, but Chelsea’s players were invariably flying into needless tackles instead of applying any sustained pressure. 

A lack of maturity, perhaps? It would make sense that such a young side — the youngest in the Premier League — would be hot-headed, but it was still strange to see just how determined they were to get under Arsenal’s skin. Caicedo appeared to offer to meet both Leandro Trossard and Timber outside after the match, as he and Fernandez represented a £220 million midfield of malice. 

Chelsea did at least succeed in dragging Arsenal down to their level, for a while. Even Martin Odegaard, usually a picture of composure, was booked for a wild challenge. It ended 13-10 to Chelsea on fouls, but 3-3 on yellow cards. 

Away from all the pettiness, perhaps the most encouraging news for Arsenal is that their set-piece weapon is firing again. Merino’s goal was Arsenal’s first from a set-piece since mid-January. By their standards, it has been a long drought. 

Mikel Merino has done it again! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NJlaATsgL6

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

Arsenal are now up to 27 goals from corners since the start of last season — at least 10 more than any other Premier League team. “For me, the biggest difference was the set-piece strategy,” said Maresca. 

The quality of Merino’s header, looped behind him as he faced the other way, was a reminder of the Spaniard’s aerial ability. “He’s very critical of himself all the time,” said Arteta. “The reality is that he’s winning football matches for us, which is incredible. He’s never played in that position before in his life.”

---

04:08 PM GMT

Mikel Arteta talking to the BBC

“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 were not able to finish some of the actions. I really liked the attitude of the team.”

On beating Chelsea:

“It was a big game and we wanted to win against a top team.”

On a break:

“I will have a few days off and then prepare for the last sprint of the season.”

---

04:07 PM GMT

Gary Cahill on Sky Sports

"They're going in the right direction" 📈

Gary Cahill believes Chelsea will qualify for the Champions League and can go on to fight for more next season 🏆👀 pic.twitter.com/FZortMDUlR

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

---

04:04 PM GMT

More from Enzo Maresca, speaking to the BBC

“We are in the right path. There was not a big difference between them and us in terms of creating chances. We could create something more for sure. In the end we lost from set-pieces.”

On Reece James playing in midfield: 

“Reece is doing well, so are Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. We have Noni [Madueke], Nico [Jackson] and [Cole] Palmer out and they have scored most of our goals.”

On Cole Palmer: 

“The feeling is that he can be back after the international break.”

On whether Palmer will be absent for England duty: 

“For sure, because he is injured and he did not play today.”

---

04:01 PM GMT

Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports

"The team played with an unbelievable attitude" 🗣️

Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal's win over Chelsea and the title race 👀 pic.twitter.com/dYM1MF0vBs

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

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04:00 PM GMT

Sky Sports’ team on Chelsea

What are Chelsea missing to take that next step? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GBIcpxonI6

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

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03:58 PM GMT

Lack of goal threat

0.35 - Chelsea's xG total at the Emirates was their lowest in any game under Enzo Maresca, with today being his 43rd match in charge. Restricted. pic.twitter.com/cRcI5nFZdi

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 16, 2025

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03:57 PM GMT

Enzo Maresca talking to Sky Sports

"It's frustrating" 🗣️

Enzo Maresca reacts after Chelsea's loss to Arsenal 👇 pic.twitter.com/Cm7O85HQpu

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

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03:56 PM GMT

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures

Thursday 3rd April: Chelsea vs Tottenham (Premier League)

Sunday 6th April: Brentford vs Chelsea (Premier League)

Thursday 10th April: Legia Warsaw vs Chelsea (Europa Conference League QF first leg)

Sunday 13th April: Chelsea vs Ipswich (Premier League)

Thursday 17th April: Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw (Europa Conference League QF second leg)

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03:54 PM GMT

Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures

Tuesday 1st April: Arsenal vs Fulham (Premier League)

Saturday 5th April: Everton vs Arsenal (Premier League)

Tuesday 8th April: Arsenal vs Real Madrid (Champions League QF first leg)

Saturday 12th April: Arsenal vs Brentford (Premier League)

Wednesday 16th April: Real Madrid vs Arsenal (Champions League QF second leg)

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03:52 PM GMT

Three points for Arsenal

Heading into the international break with a win.

Thank you for your support, Gooners 👏 pic.twitter.com/f6NTIuFsVG

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 16, 2025

---

03:51 PM GMT

Moises Caicedo speaking to Sky Sports

“The team is good, the team is working hard to win the games. We want to show character, we want to play our best football and we want to win games like this.”

On finishing in the top four: 

“We want to play Champions League football next season. The teams are close but we are just focused on ourselves because that is the most important thing. Champions League football is our target.”

---

03:42 PM GMT

Reaction of the Sky Sports crew

"The likes of Cole Palmer were missing today " 🗣️

Izzy Christiansen and Gary Cahill react to Arsenal's win over Chelsea 👏 pic.twitter.com/JgV66dQq3s

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

---

03:41 PM GMT

Carabao Cup final

Over at Wembley Liverpool are looking to defend their crown in the League Cup final as they take on Newcastle. You can follow all the build-up and action from Wembley right here.

---

03:38 PM GMT

State of play

After 29 games, Arsenal trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points going into the international break with nine league games remaining. Meanwhile Chelsea are fourth on 49 points. It is very congested between fourth and tenth, with just five points separating all those sides. Fulham have moved into eighth with their win over Tottenham whilst Ange Postecoglou’s side are in 13th.

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03:31 PM GMT

Goals from corners

27 - Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more goals from corners than any other Premier League side (27). 11 of those have opened the scoring, which is also a league-high total in this period. Headstart. pic.twitter.com/rYUySUGO5W

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 16, 2025

---

03:26 PM GMT

Today’s Premier League fixtures

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea FT

Fulham 2-0 Tottenham FT

Leicester vs Manchester United 7pm

---

03:25 PM GMT

FT stats

Possession: Arsenal 41%-59% Chelsea

Shots: 12-8

Shots on target: 4-2

Corners: 5-4

Touches in opposition box: 27-8

---

03:22 PM GMT

Full time

There is the final whistle and Arsenal win it 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merino’s first half goal.

🎶 One-nil to The Arsenal 🎶 pic.twitter.com/ayMfIhBuqm

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 16, 2025

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03:21 PM GMT

90+3 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Into the final minutes of added time we go and Chelsea have not really looked like scoring.

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03:18 PM GMT

90 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Arsenal are bringing on Tierney for captain Odegaard.

There will be four added minutes at the end of this one.

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03:17 PM GMT

89 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea are having plenty of the ball at the moment but not really threatening the Arsenal goal as the seconds and minutes tick by.

It has all become rather tense here. Arteta seems to be urging the home fans behind his dugout to show more support for his team. 

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03:16 PM GMT

87 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Fulham have doubled their advantage at Craven Cottage and it is Ryan Sessegnon who has made it 2-0 against Tottenham.

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03:14 PM GMT

86 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Enzo Maresca’s final throw of the dice sees Gusto and Tosin replace Fofana and Badiashile. Interesting that Maresca has brought on two defenders when they are a goal down.

---

03:14 PM GMT

85 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

With Arsenal being just one goal up, there are some nerves building inside the Emirates.

George sends in a loopy cross from the right and Cucurella beats Tmber to the header but it goes straight into the ground which takes the power off it and Raya gathers easily.

---

03:10 PM GMT

81 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

A third Chelsea change as Lavia replaces James. Not sure it really worked for Chelsea playing James in midfield.

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03:08 PM GMT

79 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

There has finally been a goal at Craven Cottage as Fulham have taken the lead against Tottenham through Rodrigo Muniz. Like at the Emirates 10 minutes remaining in west London.

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03:07 PM GMT

77 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Arsenal are making their first change as Nwaneri is coming on for Martinelli, who has been down for a few moments after a fair challenge from Caicedo. Not sure how he hurt himself but he made the most of it. Anyway his afternoon is done.

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03:04 PM GMT

75 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

I was just about to say that we had passed the 70-minute mark and there have interestingly been no changes from either side but that is changing now. Chelsea are making a double change as George and Dewsbury-Hall replace Sancho and Nkunku, who were very quiet this afternoon.

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03:02 PM GMT

73 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Rice’s strike hits the wall and goes behind for a corner off Fernandez. Arsenal took an age to take that free-kick after the whistle had been blown so why does that not count as time wasting?

Rice’s corner finds Martinelli beyond the back post but he cannot guide his header on target.

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02:59 PM GMT

71 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Lewis-Skelly is brought down just outside the Chelsea penalty area by Fofana and he is another who needs to be careful as he is on a yellow. This is a great position for a free-kick for Arsenal. Interestingly Raya has come all the way from his own goal to give some pearls of wisdom to his teammates standing over the free-kick. I wonder what he said? Rice and Odegaard are standing over it...

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02:56 PM GMT

68 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Partey fouls Caicedo and he needs to be careful as he is already on a yellow card. Plenty of needle in north London.

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02:55 PM GMT

67 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Over at Craven Cottage it remains goalless between Fulham and Tottenham.

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02:53 PM GMT

65 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Tensions are really starting to simmer and you could see things really boiling over with it being tense. Both sets of players need to be careful not to get themselves sent off and you could absolutely see someone getting a red card.

Odegaard has a shot from just inside the box which is saved easily by Sanchez and then the Arsenal captain is booked moments later for a cynical foul on Cucurella.

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02:50 PM GMT

62 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Fernandez is furious with referee Chris Kavanagh after being penalised for a foul on Trossard and, looking at the replays, he was right to be angry as that was a terrible dive from Trossard, which he should have been booked for.

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02:49 PM GMT

61 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Neto wins Chelsea a corner off Saliba. The first delivery is sent in and headed behind by Rice at the near post for another Chelsea corner. Neto’s delivery once more is poor and Rice wins the header at the front post.

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02:49 PM GMT

60 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Sanchez has looked very nervy today but that is a good save. A cross is sent into the Chelsea penalty area from the right and it comes all the way to the back post, where Merino meets it on the volley, forcing Sanchez into a great save on his line. Merino hit that powerfully.

Arsenal were just this close to doubling their lead 🤏😲 pic.twitter.com/G3R8NQURU8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

---

02:47 PM GMT

59 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Fofana has been flirting with a yellow card and now he gets one for throwing a ball onto the field just as Lewis-Skelly was about to take a throw-in for the home side.

---

02:47 PM GMT

58 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Neto shoots from range but he cannot get his shot on target and it was nowhere near troubling Raya’s goal. There is another yellow card that has been dished out and this time it is Partey who is booked for a foul on Fernandez in the build-up to that Neto shot.

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02:45 PM GMT

57 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea have been looking for a fight ever since kick-off. It feels like Arsenal need to avoid falling into that trap. 

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02:43 PM GMT

54 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

In the centre of the pitch James gets to the ball first just ahead of Gabriel, who then fouls the Chelsea captain which earns him a yellow card.

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02:42 PM GMT

53 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Trossard’s low cross from the left is diverted behind by Badiashile for an Arsenal corner. Rice sends in an inswinger but Chelsea clear.

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02:40 PM GMT

52 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Neto is into the book for dissent. A really silly yellow card for the Portuguese forward.

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02:36 PM GMT

47 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Martinelli wins a corner on the right after Cucurella blocked the Brazilian’s cross. Odegaard’s delivery is poor though and Nkunku easily clears at the front post.

---

02:33 PM GMT

Second half

We are back under way at the Emirates.

---

02:29 PM GMT

Today’s Premier League fixtures

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea HT

Fulham 0-0 Tottenham HT

Leicester vs Manchester United 7pm

---

02:24 PM GMT

HT stats

Possession: Arsenal 45%-55% Chelsea

Shots: 7-5

Shots on target: 2-1

Corners: 2-2

Touches in opposition box: 13-5

---

02:18 PM GMT

Meanwhile at Craven Cottage

It is also half time in west London and it is still 0-0 between Fulham and Tottenham.

---

02:18 PM GMT

Half time

That is it for the first half and Arsenal lead 1-0 at the break thanks to Merino’s goal.

---

02:17 PM GMT

45+2 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Another nervy moment for Sanchez as once again he flaps at a cross but Arsenal cannot take advantage inside the Chelsea penalty area.

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02:16 PM GMT

45 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

There will be three added minutes at the end of this first half.

Fofana is in some pain after landing awkwardly due to a challenge in the air from Merino but he gingerly gets back to his feet without any medical assistance.

---

02:14 PM GMT

44 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Nkunku goes down inside the Arsenal penalty area wanting a penalty but the referee waves the appeals away as Saliba got the ball first. The ball then comes out to the edge of the box but Fernandez’s effort is a poor one as he blazes his shot miles over the bar. That effort would be more apt on a rugby field.

It took Chelsea around 35 minutes but they have started to get a grip on proceedings here. For the first time in the match they have enjoyed some sustained possession in the Arsenal half. 

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02:12 PM GMT

42 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea are just starting to grow into this game but you wonder why it took them 35 minutes to wake up.

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02:11 PM GMT

41 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Neto wins a corner off Gabriel but the Arsenal defender is the one to head the Chelsea’s man delivery away from danger for the hosts.

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02:07 PM GMT

37 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Raya is a very, very lucky man! After Arsenal block two shots, Cucurella takes on a first-time volley from the left-hand side of the box. It is straight at Raya but it goes straight through the Arsenal keeper. He watches to see if the ball will roll into the corner but luckily for him it goes just wide. Time must have felt like it was in slow-motion for Raya as the ball rolled past the post.

"Wow" 😰

David Raya almost concedes an absolute howler 😬 pic.twitter.com/piPi55UJxh

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

---

02:04 PM GMT

34 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Odegaard finds Martinelli on the right-hand side of the box and the Brazilian should do better but he blazes his effort over the bar. It has been all Arsenal so far and Chelsea have been very poor. At the moment Chelsea’s xG is 0.02.

---

02:03 PM GMT

33 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Moises Caicedo doesn’t seem very happy with Leandro Trossard, his former Brighton team-mate. Keep an eye on that one. Caicedo seemed to be gesturing that Trossard should watch out.

---

02:00 PM GMT

30 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Colwill is the first man into the book for a foul on Trossard, which the Chelsea man is not impressed by. Looking at the replays that seemed a slightly harsh yellow.

Meanwhile over in west London it is still 0-0 between Fulham and Tottenham.

---

01:58 PM GMT

28 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Neto is found down Chelsea’s right and sends a cross into the box but there is too much on it. Chelsea have not started this game well and if they do not improve quickly this game could get away from them.

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01:56 PM GMT

26 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Fernandez kicks the ball beyond Saliba just inside the Arsenal half and runs onto it before shooting from outside the box with Raya retreating towards his goal but Fernandez’s effort is dragged well wide. Not sure why he shot when he did to be honest.

---

01:54 PM GMT

24 mins: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

Rice and Fofana come to blows as the former is not impressed by a challenge from the latter. VAR is taking a look at this and Fofana could be in trouble. There was a stamp on Rice, who was on the ground, but the VAR decides there was not a lot of force in it. That was a naughty little petulant moment from Fofana and he could well have been in trouble there. A nasty challenge apiece from either side already.

---

01:50 PM GMT

GOAL! Merino puts Arsenal ahead

The hosts move into the lead from a corner. Odegaard sends in the delivery to the near post, where Merino flicks the header on. It goes all the way to the far post and tucks into the net just inside the post. 1-0 Arsenal.

Mikel Merino will never be a “proper” centre-forward, and there are so many aspects of his game that are not suited to this role, but his ability in the air is so impressive. There are not many strikers who could score a header like that.

Mikel Merino has done it again! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NJlaATsgL6

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

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01:49 PM GMT

19 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Martinelli gets past Badiashile down Arsenal’s right and gets into the box despite Badiashile fouling him. Martinelli’s cross is blocked and then put behind for a corner by Cucurella. Badiashile is a touch fortunate that play was not stopped for a foul as he may well have been booked.

---

01:48 PM GMT

18 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Sanchez continues to show nerves as he flaps at a cross from the right-hand side. The ball then falls to Trossard on the left-hand side of the penalty area but he drags his effort wide. The Chelsea keeper is struggling, which has been a story of Chelsea’s season in regards their goalkeepers.

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01:47 PM GMT

17 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

VAR takes another look at a tackle from Partey on Neto. There is no punishment for Partey but it was not a nice challenge. He is lucky not to have seen at least yellow.

Not many of those empty seats have filled up...have Arsenal fans given up on the team’s Premier League season?

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01:45 PM GMT

15 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Sancho wins a free-kick down Chelsea’s right inside the Arsenal half. James sends the ball in but the delivery is poor as he put far too much on the cross. A waste for Chelsea, who have yet to really threaten the Arsenal goal.

---

01:43 PM GMT

13 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Rice has a second effort in as many minutes, this time from outside the box, which goes just wide of Sanchez’s right post.

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01:42 PM GMT

12 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Well that was chaotic! Firstly Cucurella goes down inside his own box wanting a foul but it is not given. Timber squares the ball from his byline and Fofana steps in with a crucial interception. The ball then pings around the penalty area, which includes a parry from Sanchez and the ball hitting James in the face, and eventually falls to Rice, whose effort from 12 yards out goes flying over the bar. There was a VAR check for handball against Cucurella but the on-field decision stands. The ball did hit Cucurella’s arm as he went down to the ground but VAR sticks with the original decision.

How has Sanchez kept this out? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/IsnbhLRIq4

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025

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01:39 PM GMT

9 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Sanchez is a lucky man. First he gives the ball away under no real pressure deep inside his own half to Martinelli, who moves into the Arsenal box. He cuts inside onto his right foot and shoots. His effort is straight at Sanchez but the Chelsea keeper cannot catch it initially but he just about re-gathers before Trossard can get to it. Sanchez has made five errors leading to goals this season, the joint-most, and he looked nervy there.

Interesting contrast between the two goalkeepers, in the space of just a few seconds. Raya launches a pinpoint long pass to Trossard, and then Sanchez plays a dreadful short pass out, straight to Martinelli. The Arsenal goalkeeper is brimming with confidence, while his Chelsea counterpart clearly is not. 

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01:34 PM GMT

4 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

There’s a lot of empty seats inside the Emirates today. Maybe it’s the early kick-off or the tubes, but lots of home fans don’t seem to be here yet.

---

01:33 PM GMT

3 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Chance for the home side. Trossard takes on an effort from the edge of the box but his shot goes wide of Sanchez’s left post. He probably should be hitting the target there.

---

01:32 PM GMT

2 mins: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Arsenal win the first corner of the match inside the opening two minutes as Lewis-Skelly’s cross from the left-hand side of the box is deflected behind. Rice’s delivery to the near post finds the head of Timber but he cannot guide his effort on target and it goes wide and behind for a goal-kick.

---

01:30 PM GMT

Kick-off

We are under way in north London. We will also provide updates from Craven Cottage where another London derby is taking place as Fulham host Tottenham.

Chelsea have swapped the sides around so that Arsenal are not playing towards the Clock End in the first half. Mind games?

---

01:26 PM GMT

Kick-off fast approaching

Both sides emerge from the tunnel into the north London sunshine and we are just moments away from kick-off at the Emirates.

The Arsenal fans have unfurled a banner that says ‘London Is Red’ ahead of kick-off. Chelsea will be keen to disprove that this afternoon.

---

01:23 PM GMT

Reminder of the teams

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Merino

Substitutes: Neto, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Nwaneri

Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Bettinelli, Adarabioyo, Dewsbury-Hall, Chalobah, Gusto, George, Acheampong, Lavia

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01:16 PM GMT

James in midfield?

Will Chelsea line up with a back four or a back five? There are five defenders named in their starting lineup so could Enzo Maresca be lining up with captain Reece James in midfield? Not long until we find out.

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01:15 PM GMT

Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports

“It is a massive one [today’s game against Chelsea] and we know after we have an international break - we know how important it is to win the game.

“We believe we have the players to win the game. We know the strength of Chelsea and we have the best players to start the match.”

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01:13 PM GMT

Chelsea beat Man Utd to £40 million Geovany Quenda

Chelsea have agreed a £40 million deal with Sporting Lisbon to sign Geovany Quenda from under the noses of Manchester United and other European clubs competing for the Portuguese teenager.

Quenda, 17, was a target for United head coach Ruben Amorim after he introduced him to senior football at Sporting, where he established himself in the first team and quickly attracted the attention of Europe’s top clubs.

Other Premier League clubs were keeping a watching brief on the young winger, with RB Leipzig leading the chase among Bundesliga clubs – but Chelsea have moved swiftly to secure Quenda’s signature and will loan him back to Sporting for the whole of next season.

Mike McGrath has all the details on Chelsea’s move for Quenda.

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01:08 PM GMT

No Palmer

23/04 - Today is the first time Chelsea are without Cole Palmer in their starting XI for a Premier League game since 23 April 2024, when they lost 5-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates. Warning. pic.twitter.com/SWlFj6hmcJ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 16, 2025

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01:05 PM GMT

Looking over their shoulders?

What are Arsenal playing for in the Premier League, now that the league title is no longer a possibility? Well, the ugly truth for Mikel Arteta is that his team might soon be at risk of falling out of the Champions League qualification places. 

That might sound a little dramatic but Arsenal’s place in the top five is not nailed on. They are seven points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City but they have taken only two points from the last nine in the league. If their current form continues, Arsenal will absolutely be pulled into the scrap for the Champions League places. 

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01:00 PM GMT

Capital focus, with a bit of Leicester

There are two Premier League games; Arsenal vs Chelsea (1.30pm) and Fulham vs Tottenham (1.30pm), and the League Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle at Wembley (4.30pm), which are taking place this afternoon in London.

Later today Leicester take on Manchester United in the Premier League in the Midlands at 7pm. We will keep you up-to-date with all these games.

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12:56 PM GMT

Enzo Maresca speaking to Sky Sports about Cole Palmer’s absence

“He [Cole Palmer] is not in the toilet, for sure! He had, or as we know, last week some problems [with illness]. And unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem. We think, after the international break, he will be back with us.

“He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session. That is why we think it is nothing important. But we wait and the feeling is he will be back after the next international break.”

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12:53 PM GMT

Get your fix

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12:47 PM GMT

Arsenal feared losing Nwaneri to Chelsea – now he has eyes on Owen and Rooney records

This time two years ago, all seemed well at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team were the best in the land, five points clear at the top of the table and in the midst of a seven-match winning run in the Premier League.

Behind the scenes in north London, though, there was a growing concern that one of the club’s most exciting young talents might be slipping out of their grasp. Ethan Nwaneri was approaching the end of his registration, and there was genuine fear at Arsenal that they would not be able to keep him.

Nwaneri’s ability was no secret – by then, he had already become the Premier League’s youngest ever player, at the age of just 15 years and 181 days – and rival clubs were extremely keen to lure him away from the Emirates Stadium. In youth academy circles, there was an expectation that the offers from elsewhere would ultimately prove impossible for Nwaneri to resist.

Among the academies pushing to sign Nwaneri, Telegraph Sport understands, were Manchester City and Chelsea. Those two clubs are known within youth football for being among the highest payers for young talents, and it is understood that Nwaneri was the subject of lucrative offers as he weighed up his options in the spring of 2023.

Sam Dean has more on Nwaneri.

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12:40 PM GMT

Full team news

Arsenal make six changes from their 2-2 draw against PSV in the Champions League in midweek. William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all come into the starting lineup. Raheem Sterling is ineligible against his parent club.

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Merino

Substitutes: Neto, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Nwaneri

There is no Cole Palmer in the Chelsea matchday squad as Enzo Maresca makes six changes from their win over Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Christopher Nkunku and Levi Colwill all come into the starting XI.

Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Bettinelli, Adarabioyo, Dewsbury-Hall, Chalobah, Gusto, George, Acheampong, Lavia

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12:35 PM GMT

Visitors in the house

Chelsea have arrived. 🫡#CFC | #ARSCHEpic.twitter.com/sVkWhYDabw

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 16, 2025

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12:32 PM GMT

Chelsea recent results

Thursday 13th March: Chelsea 1-0 Copenhagen (Conference League)

Sunday 9th March: Chelsea 1-0 Leicester (Premier League)

Thursday 6th March: Copenhagen 1-2 Chelsea (Conference League)

Tuesday 25th February: Chelsea 4-0 Southampton (Premier League)

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12:27 PM GMT

Arsenal recent results

Wednesday 12th March: Arsenal 2-2 PSV (Champions League)

Sunday 9th March: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

Tuesday 4th March: PSV 1-7 Arsenal (Champions League)

Wednesday 26th February: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

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12:21 PM GMT

This weekend’s Premier League fixtures

Saturday:

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Ipswich 2-4 Nottingham Forest

Manchester City 2-2 Brighton

Southampton 1-2 Wolves

Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford

Sunday:

Arsenal vs Chelsea 1.30pm

Fulham vs Tottenham 1.30pm

Leicester vs Manchester United 7pm

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12:15 PM GMT

Arsenal team news

🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️

💪 Timber at right-back
⚡️ Martinelli on the wing
👟 Merino up top

Let's do this, Gunners 👊

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 16, 2025

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12:15 PM GMT

Chelsea team news

Your Chelsea side today! 👊#CFC | #ARSCHEpic.twitter.com/G6f0CFtdI1

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 16, 2025

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12:13 PM GMT

Hosts arriving

In the building. pic.twitter.com/NaLWEBE7DF

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 16, 2025

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12:10 PM GMT

Match preview

The Emirates hosts a London derby on this Sunday afternoon as Arsenal host Chelsea. Arsenal booked their place midweek in the Champions League quarter-finals after beating PSV 9-3 on aggregate. Their last Premier League game came this time last week, when they drew 1-1 at Manchester United, which leaves them 15 points behind leaders Liverpool with this game in hand today whilst the league leaders play Newcastle in the League Cup final later at Wembley. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expecting a tough challenge against Enzo Maresca’s side this afternoon.

“It is two teams who want to be very dominant in their way of playing. They are very aggressive in the high press and the way we have to have the ball. There is a lot of individual quality on that pitch, it is about imposing what you want and keep them far from their strengths.”

Arsenal will be without the services of Raheem Sterling, who is ineligible against his parent club. Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kai Havertz remain out.

Chelsea qualified for the Europa Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday night after beating Copenhagen 3-1 on aggregate. They were last in Premier League action last Sunday when they beat Leicester 1-0. There are two places and six points that separate the sides but Enzo Maresca believes there is still quite a big gap between the two sides.

“It is quite big. The reason why is because they are working with the same manager for five years so the difference is quite important.  With the same players, they already played for some important games. But our target, our duty is to close that gap between us and them. In this moment, the table just said that the difference between us and them is six points. So we are quite close, but we have still nine games to go.

“We have two targets. That is finish in the top four or top five for the Champions League. And the other one is the Conference League. This club is used to playing in finals and fighting for titles. So if we are able to give to the fans and the club, again, this chance it is important for us.”

Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation has been in the spotlight plenty this season and, ahead of the game, Maresca has confirmed that Robert Sanchez will start in goal for Chelsea on Sunday. Filip Jorgensen started on Thursday night in the Europa Conference League but Sanchez will get the nod today.

“Since we started, the idea was not to change keeper,” Maresca said. “But sometimes you have to modify, you have to be flexible with your idea. We do this in the game plan, we do this, the way we want to attack, the way we want to defend. But also we need to be flexible on players. I think Robert [Sanchez] needs some days off or at least rest with this mentally. And now he is back. Hopefully we are not going to change until the end. Also because I said many times we are quite happy with both keepers.”

Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke remain out for the visitors. In the reverse fixture back in November, the game ended in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead before Pedro Neto earned Chelsea a point. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea, which includes a 5-0 win in this fixture last season.

Team news to follow shortly.

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