LONDON: Arsenal beat London rivals Chelsea 1-0 for their first win in four Premier League games on Wednesday.
Striker Mikel Merino’s towering header added to their hopes of catching current leaders Liverpool.
Merino struck in the 20th minute when he headed past Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal after receiving a corner from Martin Odegaard.
Victory leaves second-placed Arsenal 12 points behind Liverpool who face Newcastle United in tonight’s League Cup final.
Both teams have played 29 matches and still have nine more matches remaining.
Chelsea are now fourth, one point ahead of Manchester City and five behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.