Chelsea slump deepens with 3-1 defeat at Arsenal

Chelsea's worrying slump turned into a full-blown crisis when the Premier League champions were comfortably beaten 3-1 at Arsenal this evening.

Goals from Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott in a nine-minute spell either side of halftime at the Emirates condemned Carlo Ancelotti's team to a defeat that means they have managed only 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.

Arsenal have 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, are in fourth place on 31.