Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
by Layth Yousif 
at Ashburton Grove

MIKEL MERINO'S 20th minute winner was the difference between the two sides in an instantly forgettable London derby. 

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal closed the gap to table toppers Liverpool to 12 points – but more importantly consolidated second spot, remaining firmly on course for qualification for the riches of next season’s Champions League - while attempting to avoid looking towards their quarter-final glamour tie with Real Madrid early next month.