Playing without Cole Palmer for the first time in the Premier League all season, Chelsea were held at arm’s length by an Arsenal side who, with their own attacking struggles, declared early on the 1-0 lead forged by Mikel Merino’s set-piece header and never looked like setting it slip.

Cole Palmer was omitted from the Chelsea matchday squad to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. The surprise decision was revealed when Enzo Maresca’s starting XI was published 75 minutes

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca discloses why Cole Palmer was left out of the squad to face Arsenal, addressing concerns over the midfielder’s unexpected absence.