While Liverpool prepares for the Carabao Cup final, their closest rival in the Premier League title race, Arsenal, faced off against Chelsea in a crucial Matchday 29 clash. The stakes were high, and the tension was palpable as the two London giants battled it out at the Emirates Stadium.

In a tightly contested match, it was Meriño who emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal of the game in the 20th minute. His clinical finish proved to be the difference-maker in a game where chances were few and far between. The goal not only secured a vital 1-0 victory for Arsenal but also kept their faint title hopes alive.

Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was named in the squad but remained an unused substitute, as Mikel Arteta opted for a cautious approach, making only two substitutions throughout the match. The decision paid off, as Arsenal held firm against a spirited Chelsea side.

With this win, Arsenal has closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to just 12 points. While the odds of lifting the Premier League trophy remain slim, the Gunners have shown they are not ready to give up just yet. The title race may still have a few twists and turns left, and Arsenal is determined to stay in the hunt.

2024-25, England - Premier League

Arsenal - Chelsea 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Merino, 20 (1:0)

Arsenal: Raya; Saliba; Gabriel M.; Timber J.; Lewis-Skelly; Partey T.; Odegaard (Tierney, 90); Merino; Rice; Martinelli (Nwaneri, 79); Trossard
Bench: Neto; White B.; Kiwior; Calafiori; Zinchenko; Jorginho; Butler-Oyedeji
Yellow Cards: Gabriel M. 54; Partey T. 58; Odegaard 65

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Badiashile B. (Adarabioyo, 86); Colwill; James R. (Lavia, 82); Fofana W.; Cucurella; Fernandez E.; Nkunku (Dewsbury-Hall, 76); Caicedo M. (Gusto, 86); Pedro Neto; Sancho (George, 76)
Bench: Jörgensen F.; Bettinelli; Chalobah; Acheampong J. K.
Yellow Cards: Colwill 30; Pedro Neto 52; Fofana W. 59