Arsenal's domestic depression continued as Blackburn overcame Real Madrid's midweek conquerors and overtook them in the Barclays Premiership in the process.
The Gunners turned in a fabulous display to beat Real 1-0 in the Champions League at the Bernabeu on Tuesday - but their return to Barclays Premiership action was in keeping with what has been a disappointing domestic campaign as they slipped to a single-goal defeat at Ewood Park.
Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers ahead in the 18th minute after a great run by Craig Bellamy but injured himself in the process of scoring and had to be replaced immediately with Sergio Peter.
The win for Mark Hughes's men took them above Arsenal into fifth and within striking distance of a Champions League qualification berth - leaving the Gunners with much to do if they want to re-enter Europe's top club competition next season.
Chelsea moved 15 points clear at the top of the Premiership as they got back to winning ways at Stamford Bridge with a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.
The defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday was their first at home in 59 games under Jose Mourinho, but Frank Lampard lifted the mood with a trademark run from deep and assured finish in the 65th minute.
Arjen Robben added a second with 12 minutes to go as he drilled in a shot from Eidur Gudjohnsen's pass. Asier del Horno's miserable week continued, however, as he was substituted after half-an-hour.
The Spanish full-back, sent off in midweek for a challenge on Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, was replaced by Damien Duff in a tactical switch.
Emile Heskey's 39th-minute goal proved enough for Birmingham as they closed the gap to 17th-placed West Brom with a 1-0 win over rock-bottom Sunderland at St Andrews.
The Wearsiders piled on some early pressure. But City scored when Jermaine Pennant floated in a free-kick from the left and the unmarked Heskey rose to head past Kelvin Davis.
The day's other 3pm kick-off was goalless, Charlton held by Aston Villa in a match being watched by Sven-Goran Eriksson.
