Chelsea’s push for a Champions League spot suffered a setback after a lacklustre 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, while Fulham secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
Mikel Merino netted the only goal in an underwhelming encounter, helping Arsenal consolidate second place and close the gap to league leaders Liverpool to 12 points.
Chelsea, without key playmaker Cole Palmer due to injury, struggled to create chances, delivering a subdued performance that dealt a blow to their top-four aspirations.
The Blues remain in fourth place for now but have five teams, from Manchester City in fifth to Aston Villa in ninth, within just four points of them.
Both sides are hoping for reinforcements after the international break, with Arsenal expecting Bukayo Saka’s return, while Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is optimistic about the recoveries of Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke ahead of their clash with Tottenham on April 3.
Arsenal have struggled in front of goal since Kai Havertz’s season-ending injury, forcing Merino into a makeshift striker role. However, the Spanish international delivered, heading in Martin Ødegaard’s corner in the 20th minute.
Chelsea rarely threatened but nearly equalised when Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya spilled Marc Cucurella’s shot, with the ball rolling just wide.
At the other end, Robert Sánchez produced a fine save to deny Merino a second goal, but the match fizzled out with little attacking action.
The defeat is unlikely to ease growing concerns among Chelsea supporters over Maresca’s tactics.
“There wasn’t a big difference between the two teams today,” Maresca insisted. “Considering the injuries, we fought until the end.”
