Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, centre, greets supporters at the end of the match. (AP Photo)

Chelsea‘s bid for a Champions League spot weakened following their lifeless 0-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday, while Fulham secured a 2-0 victory against Tottenham.
A solitary goal from Mikel Merino settled an uninspiring match at the Emirates, helping Arsenal strengthen their second position and reduce Liverpool’s advantage to 12 points.
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The absence of Cole Palmer through illness proved costly for Chelsea, who delivered a lacklustre performance that hampered their top-four aspirations.
Despite maintaining fourth position presently, Chelsea face pressure from five clubs between Manchester City in fifth and Aston Villa in ninth, all within four points of Enzo Maresca’s side.
Arsenal’s goalscoring difficulties have persisted since Kai Havertz’s season-ending injury forced midfielder Merino to adopt a forward position. The Spanish international proved decisive from a corner, heading in Martin Odegaard’s delivery at the far post after 20 minutes.
Whilst Chelsea created few chances, they nearly equalised when David Raya mishandled Marc Cucurella’s attempt, with the ball rolling wide.
Robert Sanchez produced an excellent save to prevent Merino from scoring Arsenal’s second, in what was the half’s finest attempt.
The match concluded quietly with minimal attacking threat, as the subdued display intensified criticism of Maresca’s tactical approach amongst Chelsea supporters.
Tottenham, fresh from their Europa League quarter-final qualification against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, experienced another post-European setback at Craven Cottage.
Fulham’s triumph elevates Marco Silva’s team to eighth position, four points from fourth place and three behind fifth.
A fifth-place finish should secure Champions League participation next season, owing to English clubs’ strong European performances.
Spurs have struggled with their Premier League form following European fixtures, winning just three of 10 league matches after Europa League games.
Ange Postecoglou’s team were second-best throughout, conceding in the 78th minute when Rodrigo Muniz converted Andreas Pereira’s pass. Ryan Sessegnon sealed the victory against his previous club with an elegant finish.