Arsenal and Chelsea are nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after their 1-1 draw on Sunday,
Arsenal are now winless in four Premier League games as their bid for a first title since 2004 is at risk of unravelling.
The Gunners welcomed captain Martin Odegaard back to the starting line-up for the first time in two months and were much improved at Stamford Bridge, but still could not come away with a vital three points.
Odegaard teed up Gabriel Martinelli to open the scoring with a near-post shot on the hour mark.
Chelsea responded through Pedro Neto’s brilliant long-range effort for his first league goal since a £51 million ($66 million) move from Wolves.
A share of the spoils sees the Blues remain ahead of Arsenal on goal difference as both sides move into the top four.
