Arsenal's scoring drought was ended by Mikel Merino, who scored for the fourth time in seven games.

Chelsea lost without their key players.

Chelsea is the best attacking squad in the world "by a mile," according to Mikel Arteta.  Both it and Enzo Maresca's statement that they are on the "right path" turned heads in the press conference room.  On Sunday, it wasn't visible.

The Blues' performance in front of goal is stagnant.  They had their fewest shots and opposition box touches (both 8) of the season at the Emirates, along with their lowest Expected Goals rate (0.35).

 Marc Cucurella, who had scored the game-winning goal the previous weekend, had both of their shots on goal.  Right now, Chelsea's strongest goal threat is a left-back.

 Their most recent away victory in the Premier League occurred on December 8, when they overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 4-3 against Spurs.  Their eight road losing streak is the longest since the stretch that led to Graham Potter's dismissal at Stamford Bridge.  Chelsea isn't performing like a Champions League-ready squad.

The most comprehensive explanation of this kind is the injury list.  Even during a seven-game goalless streak, Cole Palmer's absence is evident, but the Blues' first-choice front three is completely absent owing to the long-term injuries to Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.

 However, keep in mind that the cost of assembling this team was £1.3 billion, which is more than the combined costs of the second and third-highest free-spending teams.

 It's crucial for Chelsea that all three players return to full fitness following the international break.  Maresca discussed the significance of taking "the next step" and how playing in the Champions League could be essential to that.

 For Maresca and Chelsea's future, it appears like getting those three back and playing well for the last stretch is essential.

The missing element in the title puzzle is highlighted by Arsenal's defence.

 Arsenal's lack of offensive options is made even more apparent by their excellent defending.

 After their 1-0 victory over Chelsea, manager Mikel Arteta remarked, "We continue to do a lot of things defensively so well that earn us the right to attack open spaces but there were so many situations, huge advantages that we just gave away."

 To keep out a weak Chelsea team, Arsenal didn't have to play their best defence, but they still did.

"We have to track back 70m and on that face, we were one of the best teams in the world today because we were unbelievable in the way we've done it," said Arteta.

 Arsenal's title challenge, which has waned due to their problems at the other end, has been supported by just 24 goals given up in 29 games.

 Although Mikel Merino ended Arsenal's scoring drought from corners and scored for the fourth time in seven games, they still lack the complete package to win the championship.