The confrontation between Arsenal and Chelsea took place while a final was held at Wembley. And this seems very reasonable.
Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates in a match where both teams exposed their mistakes. Therefore, it is understandable that they are not capable of competing for any domestic titles in the 2024-2025 season.
The Gunners deserved to win but also missed many opportunities. This is another testament to their attacking problems, which have almost certainly ruined their title hopes.
While Arsenal are without Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, Chelsea are forced to play without Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and Cole Palmer. The visitors have once again been rigid in attack and are in the process of improving under coach Enzo Maresca.
Palmer's absence was deeply felt, but for a long time, the 22-year-old was no longer himself. The England international's most recent goal came more than 2 months ago.
Mikel Merino's header in the 20th minute put Arsenal in the rhythm Chelsea struggled to cope with. Entering the second half, both teams seemed to have accepted their fate. There was only 1 shot on target from both sides after the 64th minute.
Just a short distance north of London at Wembley, Liverpool and Newcastle are preparing to compete in the Carabao Cup final and determine the team will lift the first major trophy of the season. Both Arsenal and Chelsea were knocked out of the previous tournament by Newcastle.
Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League after finishing round 29. There is also the Europa Conference League, a tournament that the Blues should have won. However, after all, Chelsea's early stages of their excellent season have passed.
Perhaps Palmer needs to rest to regain strength for himself and his team, as Maresca confirmed he will be unlikely to join the England team at the end of this month due to a muscle injury.
"We don't want any players to get injured, but in Palmer's case, it helps him rest, both mentally and physically. So that can be good," said Maresca.
Similarly, Saka is expected by Arsenal to return in early April. The Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid seems like a difficult task, but at least The Gunners still have a chance to hold on.
"We are fully capable of maintaining high performance and competing fairly with all opponents. If we continue to play like this, we will definitely reap the right results.
The most important thing is to win every match. That is a must. Defeating Fulham, we will take a step closer to the goal" - Arteta said.
