Enzo Maresca tried not to dwell on Cole Palmer's absence against Arsenal after Chelsea's listless showing at the Emirates. Chelsea Enzo Maresca was keen to focus on his team’s performance at Arsenal, keen to avoid putting Sunday’s 1-0 defeat on the playmaker’s absence. Palmer missed the Blues’ loss due to a muscle injury, which could keep him out until after the international break. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports Arsenal vs Chelsea A Mikel Merino header in the 20th minute was enough to settle the match with few opportunities, although the makeshift No. 9 did have a goal-bound effort in the second half clawed out by Robert Sanchez. At the other end, Chelsea disappointed as an attacking unit, magnifying Palmer’s absence from the XI as Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho toiled without success. The Blues could muster just eight shots throughout the 90 minutes, hitting the target with two and accumulating an xG (Expected Goals) of 0.35. Keen to ascribe Sunday’s loss to Palmer’s muscle issue, Maresca tried to focus on the whole team. “I didn't have this feeling because probably if Noni was there, or Nico was there, then probably the game is different,” said Maresca after the loss. “It's not just about one player. When I say we cannot rely on Cole, it's correct to say because you cannot rely on one player. It's about the team and don't give too much pressure on Cole." What next for Chelsea? Chelsea head into the international break fourth in the Premier League table after 29 games. The Blues host Tottenham Hotspur on April 3 after the international break.