The Premier League’s top two sides were forced to settle for a share of the rewards after Arsenal and Chelsea played out a fiery 0-0 draw at the Emirates.
While the Gunners looked to have the greater intent to claim the three points, their London rivals were once again at their resolute best and refused to show even the slightest defensive cracks.
Although controlling the attacking momentum, it was difficult for Arsenal to find clear cut opportunities at the goal, Mesut Ozil forcing the only save from Thibaut Courtois just before the half-time break. The best chance for the visitors perhaps came 38th minute, when Willian’s low cross from the left perfectly met the foot of Ramires in the centre of the box, however, the shot which followed was comfortably saved by David Ospina.
Arsene Wenger was unable to break his winless streak against his crosstown counterpart, now having not won against Jose Mourinho in 13 meetings.
Contentious decisions at both ends of the pitch
Despite the scoreline, it was another London Derby which lived up to the reputation, with things quickly getting touchy around the 18-yard area for both teams. The first of four decisions which would become a major focus of the match came in the fifth minute, when Oscar’s run with the ball was cut short just inside of the box by Hector Bellerin, with replays showing there had been slight contact from the defender. Soon after, the Brazilian was floored again by a heavy collision with Ospina after being picked out by a long pass from Fabregas. Regardless of it being a penalty or not, the devastating clash from the goalkeeper left Oscar in a bad state and with a concussion that should have seen him substituted sooner than half-time.
Fabregas would be the next victim of referee Michael Oliver, shown a yellow card for supposed simulation in the 23rd minute when trying to skip around Santi Cazorla on the way to goal. Although the way he went to ground was exaggerated, again contact on the legs of the Chelsea playmaker can be seen. Arsenal too would have its own cries for a penalty denied by on the half-hour mark, Cazorla’s close range strike hitting Gary Cahill on the thigh and clearly rebounding onto the defender’s arm. There could not have been much argument if any of these instances did result in penalties for either team, and the complexion of the match probably would have benefitted from someone taking a lead.
Mourinho’s machine efficient but ugly
It seems that with each game the Blues are increasingly missing the likes of Diego Costa as a target up-front. Even after Didier Drogba was introduced for the second-half, there was no real physical presence inside the attacking-third of the pitch, with the only threats on goal coming when Hazard, Oscar or Fabregas could find space on the ball for an individual run inside the box.
Once again it was up to Chelsea’s defensive group to grind their way to a result, relentlessly beating back the waves of pressure as Arsenal were largely free to move the ball around in the midfield. Despite the efforts of Alexis Sanchez, Ozil, the on-fire Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck, each time there was some way that the attack was thwarted at the last moment. Again the statistics from Mourinho’s defence were astonishing – making nine blocks, 18 interceptions and 40 clearances.
[interaction id=”553e51d3a39598ff05768fe6″]
Blue celebrations slightly delayed
Branded since the early stages of the campaign with the ‘park the bus’ cry, Chelsea’s performances have now recently attracted the tag of ‘boring’, no doubt focusing on not dropping points in these last two high-profile fixtures than trying to win with the style that their players are known to be able to produce.
Arsene Wenger’s men now see themselves sit in third spot behind Manchester City on goal difference, however, a point for the Blues means that their fifth Premier League title will be guaranteed if they can triumph over 17th placed Leicester on Thursday and Crystal Palace on Sunday morning, who currently occupy 12th on the standings.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
