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.

Chelsea face Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in just under an hour, and the teams are in!The Blues have made a few changes, but one stands out above all others – Cole Palmer is not in the squad at

Chelsea were without England star Cole Palmer for their Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Palmer has endured a frustrating period following another impressive start to the season, failing to score in his last ten appearances in all competitions.