Arsenal and Liverpool gave Chelsea an early Christmas present as both sides failed to win at home on Saturday.
The Blues don't play until Sunday evening, facing west London rivals Brentford at Stamford Bridge - live on talkSPORT 2.
Maresca and co will be hoping they can capitalise on Sunday
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Maresca and co will be hoping they can capitalise on SundayCredit: Getty
But Enzo Maresca's side didn't need to kick a ball on Saturday to find themselves in a perfect position to close the gap at the top.
Premier League leaders Liverpool almost suffered a shock defeat to Fulham at Anfield.
Andreas Pereira found the net within 11 minutes to put the away side ahead - and that served as omen for the rest of a frustrating afternoon for the Reds.
Andy Robertson was given his marching orders just six minutes later after a reckless and desperate last-ditch challenge on Harry Wilson.
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Cody Gakpo equalised, before Rodrigo Muniz fired the Cottagers ahead once again.
But Reds fans breathed a sigh of relief as Diogo Jota bagged an equaliser with four minutes to go to make it 2-2 on his return from injury.
Arsenal, meanwhile, also had to settle for a point at home to Everton.
The Toffees kept Mikel Arteta's side at bay at the Emirates, with none of the Gunners' five shots on target materialising.
Sean Dyche's side, meanwhile, didn't manage a single shot and had just 23 per cent of possession.
But Toffees fans in the away end won't care, with a much needed point coming back to Merseyside.
Arsenal were blunt up front
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Arsenal were blunt up frontCredit: AFP
While Slot had to deal with 10 men for most of his clash
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While Slot had to deal with 10 men for most of his clashCredit: AFP
It was a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea's rivals
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It was a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea's rivalsCredit: Getty
If Chelsea win on Sunday, they will be just two points behind Liverpool.
However, if the Blues' record against the Bees is anything to go off, it won't be a straight forward task.
Chelsea haven't beaten Brentford since 2021, a 2-0 victory in the League Cup.
They've seen out two draws and three defeats in that team.
Here's how things stand
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Here's how things stand
Inside Chelsea panel discuss how Enzo Maresca is exceeding expectations at Stamford Bridge this season