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.

Arsenal can close the huge gap to Liverpool at the top of the table but Chelsea come to the Emirates in form and chasing their own Champions League ambitions

LONDON — Mikel Merino led Arsenal to a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday. Merino’s first-half header settled the London derby at the Emirates Stadium and saw second-placed Arsenal move within 12 points of leader Liverpool. In another all-London clash, Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0.