Chelsea vs Arsenal as it happened: Marcos Alonso, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas goals sink Gunners

Re-live updates from the Premier League lunchtime kick-off at Stamford Bridge

Marcos Alonso celebrates opening the scoring at Stamford Bridge (Getty)

Chelsea entertain Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime in what could be a defining fixture in this season's Premier League title race.

If Antonio Conte's side take revenge on the Gunners for their 3-0 thumping at the Emirates earlier this season, they will move 12 points clear of their London rivals at the top of the table.

However, if Arsene Wenger's men can somehow stop Conte's blue juggernaut, their own hopes of finishing top of the pile - and those of the other teams in the chasing pack - will be significantly boosted.

What time does it start?

Kick-off is at 12.30pm on Saturday 4 January.

Where can I watch it?

The game is live on Sky Sports 1 from 11.30am, with highlight on BBC1 at 10.30pm. You can also follow The Independent’s live blog for all the action.

Follow updates on our live blog below...

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It’s a big game for…

Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss will still be in the stands for the game after his four game touchline ban and after the midweek defeat to Watford it is a must-win game for the Gunners. Should Chelsea win, they will be 12 points clear of Arsenal, which would surely spell the end of their title charge.

Remember when…

Chelsea destroyed Arsenal 6-0 at Stamford Bridge to ruin Wenger’s 1,000^th game in charge in March 2014.

Player to watch…

Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal captain got his first start under Antonio Conte when the Gunners blew Chelsea away at the start of the season but has been in and out of the team since. He is unlikely to start but is such a fantastic option from the bench and has the ability to create chances against a tiring midfield.

Past three meetings…

Arsenal 3 (Walcott, Sanchez, Ozil) Chelsea 0

September 24, 2016, Premier League

Arsenal 0 Chelsea 1 (Costa)

January 24, 2016, Premier League

Chelsea 2 (Zouma, Chambers OG) Arsenal 0

September 19, 2015, Premier League

Form guide…

Chelsea: LWWWWD

Arsenal: DWWWWL

Odds…

Chelsea: 19/20

Arsenal: 33/10

Draw: 13/5

(Odds provided by 888sport)

[4 February 2017 12:20 · Joe Miles]

The Blues have scored more goals than any other side at home this season in the Premier League - so it certainly will not be a walk in the park for the visitors. Arsenal will need to leave with the points today if they wish to keep their title hopes alive. Liverpool are the only team so far to defeat Chelsea at home under the management of Conte. 

There's not long until kick-off now, so stay tuned. This one will not disappoint. 

[4 February 2017 12:25 · Joe Miles]

The players are lined up in the tunnel. They all look set for this huge London derby, that will certainly prove pivotal for the title race.

Just minutes until kick off now. 

[4 February 2017 12:30 · Joe Miles]

WE ARE OFF!

The home side kick-off to begin the fixture! Game on.

[4 February 2017 12:33 · Joe Miles]

2 MINS

A lapse of concentration from Courtois gives Sanchez possession in the final third, who lays the ball off to Iwobi. The 20-year-old goes for goal, but it's deflected wide. Corner kick to The Gunners.

[4 February 2017 12:35 · Joe Miles]

5 MINS

It's an energetic start from the two clubs, as they both battle to assert an early dominance over their opponents. Every player is hunting down possession and allowing their opposition no time on the ball. 

[4 February 2017 12:38 · Joe Miles]

8 MINS

Sanchez picks up the ball in the middle of the park and weaves between a sea of Chelsea shirts. The Chilean then sends the ball through to Walcott, but much to the relief of the home fans - the offside flag is raised. That's positive stuff from Sanchez. 

[4 February 2017 12:40 · Joe Miles]

10 MINS

Moses bombs down the right hand side with possession, Coquelin then slides in late and gives Chelsea an early free kick. 

[4 February 2017 12:45 · Joe Miles]

13 MINS

GOAL

CHELSEA 1 - 0 ARSENAL

Against the run of play, Alonso has given Chelsea an early lead with a header from inside of the area. The ball goes into the danger zone and Costa's headed attempt rebounds off the woodwork and then falls nicely for the Spaniard who heads it home. 

Arsenal will need to respond rapidly, as they chase the one goal deficit. 

Game on!

[4 February 2017 12:46 · Joe Miles]

15 MINS

Bellerin has left the pitch after crashing into Alonso during the Chelsea goal. We wish him a speedy recovery. 

[4 February 2017 12:47 · Joe Miles]

17 MINS

Substitution: Gabriel replaces Bellerin