Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea - Mikel Merino's first-half header enough for Gunners who comfortably hold on for victory

Mikel Merino's first-half goal was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory for Arsenal at home to Chelsea in a largely drab Premier League encounter.

The Gunners camped in the Blues' defensive third for the first half hour and could have had greater reward than the goal scored by Merino, flicking Martin Odegaard's corner kick at the near post over Robert Sanchez and inside the opposite side-netting on 20 minutes.

The only early excitement came from shaky goalkeeping at both ends, with Robert Sanchez presenting a couple of chances to Leandro Trossard, which the Belgian spurned, and David Raya letting Marc Cucurella's volley go through his hands, the ball then just drifting wide of the goal.

The second half saw little action, with Sanchez's fine save, clawing Merino's volley off the line the only real chance, as Chelsea appeared to lack the will and skill to get something out of the game.

The win puts Arsenal 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and nine ahead of Chelsea who remain in fourth spot.

An extremely disappointing performance for Chelsea who hardly threatened at all.

Dewsbury-Hall floated a diagonal ball behind the Arsenal defence, but the Gunners centre back running back coolly heads to his keeper.

Gusto and Adarabioyo come on for Badiashile and Fofana.

But although Cucerella climbs higher than Timber he can't direct a firm header on target.

And all he can do is centre the ball before it goes over the by-line, with Sanchez gathering comfortably.

The Chelsea skipper has been one of his side's better players and could be an option in the defensive midfield position for England.

A fine through-ball from Gabriel to send Trossard free on the left but his lofted clip back which Odegaard was lining up to volley was diverted from the Gunners skipper's path by Merino running backwards to head the ball.

A popular change which livens up the home crowd.

Not before time these changes, with the disappointing Sancho and Nkunku brought off for George and Dewsbury-Hall.

Rice's deep corner finds him jumping highest, but he can't steer the ball home.

It took them an age to take the set piece and happily for Sanchez after the deflection it goes well wide for a corner.

He is brought down by Fofana just left of the D. Fofana is lucky to still be on the pitch.

He joins five others in the referee's notebook after being a little over exuberant trying to dispossess the Chelsea full back

But it is not directed quite accurately enough and Sanchez saves easily diving to his left.

Martinelli's cross found Merino at the far post and he side-footed a left-footed volley which Sanchez clawed off the line diving to his right.

Probably 40 minutes of playing time too late. Strangely it was for the tame offense of throwing a second ball onto the field.