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 14:17 · Joe Miles]

88 MINS

Substitution: Moses is replaced by Zouma 

[4 February 2017 14:22 · Joe Miles]

90 MINS

GOAL

CHELSEA 3 - 1 ARSENAL

Giroud has bagged a consolation goal for the visitors following an assist from Monreal. It looks unlikely that this will ignite a comeback, but it's a positive following a mediocre performance.

[4 February 2017 14:26 · Joe Miles]

FULL TIME

CHELSEA 3 - 1 ARSENAL

It's all over at Stamford Bridge, with Conte's men walking away with three goals and three points. The Blues have extended their lead at the top of the table by 12 points, whilst Arsenal wave goodbye to the title chase. The visitors were simply outclassed throughout and failed to find their feet to really make an impact. A 90th minute consolation goal from Giroud was not enough to begin a comeback for Wenger's men. 

That's nine successive home wins in the Premier League for Chelsea, as they continue to pursue the Premier League title.

That's all from Stamford Bridge, but make sure you tune in for live updates of today's remaining games.