100% aerials, 100% tackles, 90% passing: 70-touch Arsenal star was magnificent vs Chelsea, controlled the game – opinion | OneFootball

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners were unbeaten in the last six meetings against the Blues and continued the streak with a solid win yesterday.

The hosts took the lead with their first corner-kick goal in two months. Mikel Merino came up with a perfectly timed header to beat goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Arsenal were unable to double their advantage despite some quality chances. Leandro Trossard was particularly woeful with his decision-making.

Despite this, there were plenty of positives to carry forward. Merino scored his fifth league goal of the campaign as an emergency striker.

William Saliba was tremendous in the heart of the Arsenal defence. He comfortably handled Christopher Nkunku’s threat and made a superb sliding challenge on Pedro Neto.

The Frenchman had 70 touches in the derby with a passing accuracy of 90 percent. He won all his aerial duels (3/3) and tackles (2/2).

He also made four clearances, four recoveries, and two blocks. The central defender’s performance was fantastic. He controlled proceedings with relative ease.

Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea has reduced the gap to leaders Liverpool to 12 points with nine games to play.

Liverpool have a clear advantage, but the Gunners must keep winning to capitalise on any slip-ups.

Arne Slot’s side bowed out of the Champions League and lost the Carabao Cup final in the same week.

It will be intriguing to see whether this impacts their league performances after the international break.

Stats from Fotmob.com.