Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea: Jurrien Timber shines as Mikel Merino shows his worth | OneFootball

Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrates England call-up with solid display as Gunners cut gap to Liverpool

Mikel Merino scored the winner for Arsenal against Chelsea

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League to 12 points by beating Chelsea.

Mikel Merino, once again playing as an emergency striker, was the hero for the Gunners as he scored the only goal.

Neither side created very much and Chelsea’s best moment came when David Raya almost let Marc Cucurella’s volley through his hands and into the bottom corner.

The win cements Arsenal’s position in second in the Premier League and closed the gap to leaders Liverpool to 12 points.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Had one nervy moment where he almost let Cucurella’s tame lovely squirm into the bottom corner. The only blip on a steady afternoon.

Jurrien Timber showed why Ben White will have to fight to get back in the team

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Jurrien Timber 8 | Star player

Quietly brilliant. Got forward and linked up well with Martinelli down the right. Defensively he was excellent, too, and showed why Ben White will have to fight to get back in the team.

William Saliba 7

One rare error in the first half, where he hesitated going for a 50-50. Other than that, this was another good performance from the Frenchman.

Gabriel 7

Gave Pedro Neto very little to feed off all day. Booked for a late challenge on Reece James early in the second half.

Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed at Emirates Stadium

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Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

Celebrated his call-up to the England squad with a solid performance. Drove forward with the ball well and was strong defensively.

Martin Odegaard 7

A few nice touches and moments from the Norwegian. It was his corner that Merino headed home for Arsenal’s goal, too.

Thomas Partey 7

A solid showing at the base of midfield after being rested in midweek. Enjoying his best season at Arsenal, so far.

Declan Rice 7

Typically busy and tried to give Arsenal some drive from midfield. Another big shift after starting in midweek as well.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Made his first start since the beginning of last month after recovering from a hamstring injury. Caused some problems with his pace.

Mikel Merino 7

Got the all-important goal with a great header at the near post. Worked tirelessly off the ball and continues to do a job up top.

Leandro Trossard 5

One of those days for the Belgian. Got into some good positions, but could not make the most of the chances. Frustrating.

Substitutions

Ethan Nwaneri (Martinelli 78’) N/A

Kieran Tierney (Odegaard 90’) N/A