Substitute Alexandre Lacazette made an instant impact as Arsenal continued their resurgence by scraping a 1-0 win which prolonged Brighton’s miserable home record.
English football could be braced for more disruption after a host of further coronavirus outbreaks on Monday.
Arsenal defender Gabriel has tested positive for coronavirus, ruling the Brazilian out of the Gunners’ upcoming matches against Brighton and West Brom.
Frank Lampard has backed Chelsea to emerge stronger from a “tough period” of just one win in five Premier League matches.
Manchester City will begin retesting their squad for coronavirus on Tuesday in the hope they have acted quickly enough to prevent a widespread outbreak of the disease.
Anwar El Ghazi cancelled out Olivier Giroud’s header as Aston Villa stole a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge to stay above Chelsea in the Premier League table.
An outbreak of further positive Covid-19 cases at Manchester City has forced their Premier League trip to Everton to be postponed just four hours before kick-off.
Richarlison and James Rodriguez will not be fit in time for Everton’s clash against Manchester City on Monday.
Frank Lampard has warned his Chelsea players that he will make changes for the visit of Aston Villa in response to what he felt was their worst performance of the season at Arsenal on Boxing Day.