Chelse
By Sello Masilo
Chelsea’s bid for a top-four finish suffered a major blow after a toothless 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, while Manchester United continued their revival with a convincing 3-0 victory over Leicester City.
Mikel Merino’s first-half header proved decisive at the Emirates Stadium, pulling Arsenal further ahead in second place and within 12 points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Meanwhile, United extended their unbeaten run in open play to seven matches, as Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes all found the net at the King Power Stadium.
⸻
Arsenal Edge Chelsea in Hard-Fought Derby
Mikel Merino’s 20th-minute goal was enough to secure all three points for Arsenal, continuing their dominance over Chelsea in recent meetings. With Kai Havertz sidelined due to a season-ending injury, manager Mikel Arteta deployed Merino as a makeshift centre-forward—a decision that proved crucial.
“We did enough to deserve to win the game,” Arteta said post-match. “Now we have the international break, so let’s take a chance to breathe and bring some players back hopefully.”Despite the win, Arsenal still face an uphill battle to catch Liverpool, who remain 12 points ahead with just nine rounds of fixtures remaining.
⸻
Chelsea Struggle Without Cole Palmer
Chelsea lacked attacking threat in the absence of Cole Palmer, who missed the match due to injury. Their best opportunity came in the 37th minute, when Marc Cucurella came close, but the Blues failed to register a single shot on target in the second half.
Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made an excellent save to prevent Merino from doubling the lead, but otherwise, Chelsea’s display was uninspired. This result leaves Enzo Maresca’s side in fourth place, with just four points separating them from fifth-placed Manchester City.
Chelsea’s fixture list does not get any easier, as they return from the international break to host Tottenham on April 3. Maresca will hope to have Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke fit for that crucial London derby.
“We have injuries, but no excuses,” said Maresca. “We need to find solutions.”⸻
Manchester United Dominate Struggling Leicester
Manchester United continued their recent resurgence, dismantling Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power Stadium.
The visitors took control early, with Rasmus Højlund scoring his first goal in 21 matches to give United the lead in the 28th minute. Garnacho added a second in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a mistake from goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Bruno Fernandes sealed the win with a stunning long-range effort, marking his seventh goal in as many games. United’s form is improving at a critical time, as they push for a top-five finish that would likely secure Champions League qualification.
“We are playing with more confidence,” said United manager Erik ten Hag. “The team is growing with every game.”Meanwhile, Leicester’s struggles continued. The Foxes have now lost 13 of their last 14 league games, and their failure to score at home for a seventh straight match set a new unwanted Premier League record.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side remain rooted in the relegation zone, nine points adrift of safety, with their top-flight survival hopes fading fast.
⸻
Tottenham Suffer Another European Hangover
Just days after securing a Europa League quarter-final place, Tottenham suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat at Fulham, continuing their poor record after European matches.
Spurs have now won just three of their last ten league games following midweek European fixtures, a trend that has frustrated manager Ange Postecoglou.
“We’ve lost too many games we should have taken points from,” said Tottenham captain Son Heung-min.With 78 minutes on the clock, Rodrigo Muniz broke the deadlock for Fulham, finishing from Andreas Pereira’s clever pass. Former Spurs player Ryan Sessegnon sealed the win with a stunning late goal, piling further misery on his old club.
Fulham climb to eighth place, just four points off the top four, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Spurs, on the other hand, slip to 14th, now 10 points away from the top half of the table.
⸻
Race for Champions League Places Heats Up
With just nine matches left in the season, the battle for the top four remains fiercely competitive:
1. Liverpool – 72 points
2. Arsenal – 60 points
3. Newcastle – 58 points
4. Chelsea – 54 points
5. Manchester City – 50 points
6. Manchester United – 48 points
7. West Ham – 47 points
8. Fulham – 46 points
9. Aston Villa – 45 points
With English teams performing well in European competitions, a top-five finish is likely to guarantee Champions League qualification. This puts even more pressure on Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United to deliver strong results after the international break.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 98 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Fezile Dabi Mayor Khasudi: ‘The Boreholes Exist, and the DA is Delivering for Residents”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-098.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube