Arsenal Keep Faint Title Hopes Alive

Arteta says 'only thing we can do is try to win our matches' after London derby joy

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LONDON - Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 for their first victory in four Premier League games on March 16, as a headed goal by stand-in striker Mikel Merino boosted their faint hopes of catching up with runaway leaders Liverpool.

Merino scored in the 20th minute when he stooped to flick his looping header over Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal after a Martin Odegaard corner.

The Spanish midfielder, who has led Arsenal's attack in the absence of his injured colleagues in recent weeks, came close to a second goal in the 60th minute but his side-footed volley was kept out by Sanchez with a fine save.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta praised the role that his compatriot Merino has played for the team.

"We have had top players out for many, many months. But our team has an incredible resilience," he said.

"Mikel really wants to do well. He has never played that position before, but he is scoring goals. He is a really dangerous player in the box and he can help us. Really pleased, physically it is a different game to play as a No. 9."

On the victory, he added: "We should have done much more, but we are very happy and it was an important game. We played a top opponent and the team played with an unbelievable spirit and now we go to the international break.