Arsenal beat Chelsea for the first time in more than two years to move up to second place in the Premier League, while Chelsea’s slump continues.

Chelsea had won all five previous meetings between the two teams, while Arsenal were developing a reputation for capitulating every time they played another top team. Arsenal’s poor form against their title rivals has cost them dearly in recent seasons, and having recently lost to Manchester United, the Gunners looked to put another lackluster performance behind them, as they struggle to mount a serious challenge for the title this season.

Chelsea have now picked up just 6 points from a possible 24 in their last eight league games, which is their worst performance in the league since 1998. Manager Carlo Ancelotti may be under renewed pressure after another defeat. Chelsea’s chances of retaining their Premier League trophy now appear to be very slim.

Arsenal started the game brilliantly and continued to put pressure on the Chelsea defence. Chelsea’s only effort during the early stages of the game came from nemesis Didier Drogba, who had scored 13 goals in the previous 13 games against the Gunners, but his shot from distance went wide of the goal.

While the Blues looked like a free-scoring shadow, the team that started the season, the Gunners turned up the pressure, and it was no surprise when Alex Song scored after 43 minutes to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Chelsea did make a half-time substitution, with Ramires replacing John Obi Mikel, but not for the first time this season, he failed to inspire the Chelsea team. Fabregas put Arsenal 2-0 in front after 51 minutes and 90 seconds later Theo Walcott compounded Chelsea’s misery by adding a third goal.

With the game now effectively over as a contest, Chelsea made a game-saving attempt and Ivanovic headed in a goal for Chelsea. With Arsenal’s recent poor record of holding a lead, the Blues looked for a second goal, but this time the Gunners weathered the storm and finished the game stronger.

Chelsea provided little inspiration and surely must now have relinquished their title, while Arsenal moved within two points of Manchester United, although they have played one more game.