Chelsea slump deepens with 3-1 loss at Arsenal

Wednesday, 29 December 2010 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea’s worrying slump turned into a full-blown crisis when the Premier League champions were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Arsenal at The Emirates on Monday.

Goals from Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott in a nine-minute spell either side of halftime condemned Carlo Ancelotti’s team to another defeat and they have now managed just six points from the last 24 on offer.

Branislav Ivanovic replied for the visitors but the damage was already done as Arsenal ended a run of five consecutive defeats against their London rivals to reclaim second place in the table above Manchester City on goal difference.

“The win had a double impact. First of all it keeps us in touch with the leaders and, secondly, it is the psychological impact because we were questioned about our ability to win big games,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told reporters.

“We know that to beat the big teams at home will have an important impact on the league (title race).”

Arsenal have moved to 35 points from 18 games with unbeaten leaders Manchester United on 37 having played a game less. Chelsea, who started the season in scintillating form but have forgotten how to win, remain in fourth place on 31.