While Manchester City fell two points behind Premier League leader Manchester United with a 0-0 draw at third-place Arsenal, a fifth-minute own-goal by Jose Bosingwa left defending champion Chelsea outside the Champions League qualifying places after two wins in its past nine matches.
Early season leader Chelsea has now taken just 10 points from the last 11 games.
Chelsea's defeat meant that Tottenham kept fourth place despite a 2-1 loss at Everton, which completed a good night for United, which beat Stoke 2-1 on Tuesday to maintain the league's only unbeaten record. United has 44 points from 20 games as it pursues a record 19th English championship.
Liverpool's poor form also continued with a 3-1 loss at Blackburn, which only led to more chants from fans for manager Roy Hodgson to be fired.
