Arsenal have suffered a major setback ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid after Gabriel was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Former United winger Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club with a stunning solo effort after just five minutes at the City Ground to earn all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

Merino scored in the 20th minute when he stooped to flick his looping header over Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal after a Martin Odegaard corner.

The Gunners sit 15 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, now with just one game in hand, with their focus beginning to turn to holding off the chasing pack for a place in next season's Champions League.

Liverpool survived a scare from Southampton as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez inspired the fightback in a 3-1 win that lifted the Premier League leaders 16 points clear at the top on Saturday.

Erling Haaland returned from injury to clinch Manchester City's 1-0 win at Tottenham as the troubled champions moved into fourth place in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Liverpool took a giant stride towards the Premier League title on Sunday as a 2-0 win over Manchester City opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the table over Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta admitted he is "obsessed" with winning the Premier League title as he urged Arsenal to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.

Arne Slot insists Liverpool can handle the mounting pressure of the Premier League title race after the leaders were hampered by nerves in their tense win against Wolves.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists the Premier League leaders can cope with the mounting pressure of the title race.

The Germany forward, 25, was injured during the club's warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Newcastle, who have beaten Arsenal three times this season, will face Liverpool or Tottenham in the final at Wembley on March 16.

Arsenal kept alive their Premier League title challenge with a 5-1 demolition of dismal Manchester City on Sunday as the troubled champions endured another humiliation in their season from hell.

Unai Emery has revealed Ollie Watkins wants to stay at Aston Villa after Arsenal reportedly made a bid for the England striker this week.

Arteta's side swatted aside the Croatian champions at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday thanks to Declan Rice's early opener and second half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

Arteta conceded Arsenal were culpable for the defensive mistakes that allowed Villa back into the game.

Mikel Arteta said on Friday the Premier League title race cannot be boiled down to a straight shootout between Arsenal and Liverpool as he urged his players to relish the battle.

Mikel Arteta's second-placed side moved within four points of Liverpool thanks to their stirring fightback in Wednesday's 2-1 win against arch rivals Tottenham.

Jesus was stretchered off in the first half of Sunday's FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United, which ended in a defeat for the Gunners on penalties.

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.