Enzo Maresca: Chelsea had a chance 'until the end' against Arsenal

Mikel Merino's first-half header proved to be the difference, as the Blues struggled to find a breakthrough.

Merino rose highest from a corner, guiding his effort over Robert Sanchez and into the back post to give Arsenal a deserved lead before the break.

Chelsea found it difficult to create clear chances throughout the match, and despite a scrappy, more even second half, they failed to trouble the hosts' defence significantly.

The defeat slightly dents Chelsea's hopes of securing a Champions League spot, though they remain in fourth place.

Enzo Maresca's side hold a one-point advantage over Manchester City, who drew 2-2 against Brighton, and sit two points ahead of both Newcastle United and Brighton.

Speaking after the match, Maresca pointed to Chelsea's ongoing injury issues but remained optimistic about their top-four chances.

"I think we were in the game until the end," he told Sky Sports.

"There was not a big difference in the two games between us. Given the injuries, we fought until the end. After the international break, we can have more players back like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke for the final sprint.

"We competed well, The game was there. They scored a set-piece, they are masters at that. It is a shame but my feeling is that we are going in the right direction.

"We controlled the game, we created some chances. In the second half we were there. Overall, I think we competed very well." 

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