Arsenal hold a narrow advantage over Chelsea heading into the second half of this afternoon’s London derby after Mikel Merino broke the deadlock with a 20th-minute header at the Emirates.
In a first half seriously lacking in any real quality, Merino’s goal from an inswinging Martin Odegaard corner proved the difference.
The Spaniard was given a large helping hand from fellow countryman Robert Sanchez, who once again failed to convince between the sticks for the visitors.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes and both managers will be tempted to ring the chances at the halfway stage with a view to freshening up in the second period.
The Blues have a serious job on their hands if they are to continue their resurgent run of results, with Enzo Maresca’s men winning their last four matches in all competitions.
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