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Arsenal close gap on Liverpool with win over Chelsea

Staff WritersAP
Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez can't keep out Arsenal's headed winner from Mikel Merino. (AP PHOTO)
Camera IconChelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez can't keep out Arsenal's headed winner from Mikel Merino. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP

Arsenal have brought their three-game winless run in the Premier League to an end with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates to strengthen their grip on second place as they try to chase down runaway leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Merino's first-half header settled the London derby on Sunday and enabled second-placed Arsenal to move within 12 points of leaders Liverpool.

But in another all-London clash, there was more disappointment for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou as he watched his side succumb 2-0 at Fulham.

Arsenal's title hopes have faded in recent weeks, but they closed the gap on Liverpool, who were stunned by Newcastle in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Merino rose in the 20th minute to flick Martin Odegaard's near-post corner beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and it proved enough to secure a first league win for Mikel Arteta's team since February 15.

Defeat for fourth-placed Chelsea means they missed the chance to extend their one-point lead over Manchester City in fifth and boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

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Arsenal, on 58 points, are 10 points clear of four-time defending champions City.

Another setback for Tottenham is likely to only increase the pressure on Postecoglou heading into the international break.

Spurs, in 14th place, have only won one of their past five in all competitions, and this was a 15th league defeat of the season.

Rodrigo Muniz gave Fulham the lead in the 78th at Craven Cottage and Ryan Sessegnon doubled the home team's lead 10 minutes later.

Fulham are eighth, four points behind Chelsea in the race for a Champions League place.

In the day's other match, Manchester United built on their impressive midweek Europa League victory with a 3-0 win over struggling Leicester.

Days after beating Real Sociedad 4-1 in the last 16 at Old Trafford, Rasmus Hojlund ended his goal drought to open the scoring for United at the King Power Stadium.

After having a goal disallowed, Alejandro Garnacho doubled the advantage.

Bruno Fernandes wrapped up the three points with a late goal as the visitors climbed to 13th and inflicted a sixth successive loss on the relegation-threatened Foxes.

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