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

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.