Arsenal v Chelsea
Terry was animated at the end as he celebrated his team's point
- Chelsea end Arsenal's eight-match winning run
- Mourinho hits back at 'boring' jibes
- Chelsea unbeaten in eight games against Arsenal
- Fabregas booked on return to former club
Chelsea took another step towards clinching the Premier League title after a goalless draw at Arsenal ensured they remain 10 points clear at the top of the league.
Jose Mourhino's side will clinch the title if they follow victory at revitalised Leicester City on Wednesday with three points against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.
Arsenal's fans vented their frustration with chants of "boring boring Chelsea" at the final whistle after the Gunners failed to make the most of their second-half chances, but this was the performance of a side fixing a steely gaze and determination on the title.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: Jose Mourinho says team gave lesson in defence
The criticism fell on deaf ears as Chelsea's players celebrated earning a vital draw - especially captain John Terry as he gave triumphant clenched fist salutes before taking the acclaim of the visiting supporters.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will have been as frustrated as his team's fans, having now gone 13 games without a win against his old adversary Mourinho. The Gunners had plenty of possession but could not find the inspiration to alter that grim statistic.
Chelsea mounted a defensive rearguard action after the break with Per Mertesacker and substitute Danny Welbeck missing from the rare opportunities that fell Arsenal's way.
Keeping it clean - winning the Chelsea way |
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Chelsea have kept five clean sheets in a row against Arsenal in all competitions |
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Arsenal managed just one shot on target in their two Premier League games against Chelsea this season |
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Arsenal's previous goalless draw was against Manchester United in February 2014 |
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Three of Arsenal's last 0-0 draws in the Premier League have come against Chelsea |
It was not all one way, however, and Chelsea complained bitterly about three first-half penalty claims that were ignored by referee Michael Oliver, twice for incidents involving Oscar and the other on returning former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.
Ultimately, though, Mourinho and Chelsea will regard this as another precious point on what now seems the formality of the first title triumph of his second spell in charge at the club.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: Gunners lacked in attack - Arsene Wenger
Mourinho's decision to operate without a recognised striker after injuries to Diego Costa and Loic Remy did not prevent Chelsea getting players into the Arsenal area - and he was left bemused as those penalty appeals went unanswered.
Referee Oliver did not penalise Hector Bellerin when Oscar fell under his challenge and the same player was involved again when he was cleaned out by Arsenal keeper David Ospina as they challenged for Fabregas's pass.
Oscar was left prone and required lengthy treatment amid much animation from the Chelsea bench, who were left nursing a sense of injustice once more.
The third claim came when Fabregas fell theatrically to the floor after coming into contact with Santi Cazorla. The only outcome, much to the delight of Arsenal's fans, was their former idol being shown a yellow card for diving.
Jose Mourinho is closing in on a third Premier League title with Chelsea
Amid this chaos, chances were at a premium but Ospina came to Arsenal's rescue with a fine low save from Ramires after he ran on to Willian's pass.
Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois remained untroubled apart from one routine save from Mesut Ozil.
Mourinho made a change at half-time, sending on Didier Drogba for Oscar, who may well have been feeling the after-effects of that collision with Ospina.
Arsenal had a rare opening when Courtois could only half-clear a free-kick but the loose ball did not fall to the ideal person, giant defender Mertesacker screwing a finish well wide.
Welbeck then scuffed a clear chance in front of goal in stoppage time as Arsenal did most of the second half pressing - and Chelsea held out to leave their supporters celebrating a vital point.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"In the first half we had the right intensity. We dropped that in the second half and came back into the right level for the last 20 minutes.
"We could have finished the game off. Mesut Ozil had a great chance in the final minute of the game.
"But they came to defend well, and they did that well, and everybody knows that."
Oscar started as Chelsea's most advanced player in the absence of any recognised strikers
Brazilian international Oscar was replaced by Didier Drogba at the break following a collision with David Ospina
Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas was booked for diving on his return to his former club
Lineup, Bookings (7) & Substitutions (5)
Arsenal
- 13 Ospina
- 39 Bellerin
- 04 Mertesacker
- 06 Koscielny
- 18 Monreal Booked
- 19 Cazorla Booked
- 34 Coquelin Booked (Welbeck - 76' )
- 16 Ramsey Booked
- 11 Özil
- 17 Sánchez
- 12 Giroud (Walcott - 84' )
Substitutes
- 01 Szczesny
- 02 Debuchy
- 03 Gibbs
- 10 Wilshere
- 14 Walcott
- 20 Flamini
- 23 Welbeck
Chelsea
- 13 Courtois
- 02 Ivanovic Booked
- 24 Cahill
- 26 Terry
- 28 Azpilicueta
- 04 Fàbregas Booked (Zouma - 90' )
- 21 Matic
- 07 Ramires
- 22 Willian Booked (Cuadrado - 93' )
- 10 Hazard
- 08 Oscar (Drogba - 45' )
Substitutes
- 01 Cech
- 03 Filipe Luis
- 05 Zouma
- 11 Drogba
- 12 Mikel
- 23 Cuadrado
- 36 Loftus-Cheek
Live Text Commentary
Full Time Match ends, Arsenal 0, Chelsea 0.
90:00 +4:39 Full timeFull Time Second Half ends, Arsenal 0, Chelsea 0.
90:00 +4:05 BookingBooking Nacho Monreal (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
90:00 +4:00Foul by Nacho Monreal (Arsenal).
90:00 +4:00Ramires (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90:00 +3:00 SubstitutionSubstitution Substitution, Chelsea. Juan Cuadrado replaces Willian.
90:00 +2:30 BookingBooking Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
90:00 +2:26Foul by Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal).
90:00 +2:26Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90:00 +0:39Attempt missed. Danny Welbeck (Arsenal) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Mesut Özil.
90:00 +0:38Attempt missed. Mesut Özil (Arsenal) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Nacho Monreal with a cross.
90:00 +0:08Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90:00 +0:08Foul by Didier Drogba (Chelsea).
89:45 SubstitutionSubstitution Substitution, Chelsea. Kurt Zouma replaces Cesc Fàbregas.
88:35 BookingBooking Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
88:32Foul by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal).
88:32Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing.
85:54Foul by Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).
85:54John Terry (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
84:23Foul by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal).
Ramires (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing.
83:19Delay over. They are ready to continue.
83:12 SubstitutionSubstitution Substitution, Arsenal. Theo Walcott replaces Olivier Giroud.
82:31Delay in match Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) because of an injury.
82:04Foul by Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).
82:04Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
81:37Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Thibaut Courtois.
80:07Foul by Nacho Monreal (Arsenal).
80:07Willian (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing.
79:53Attempt blocked. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Danny Welbeck.
75:55 SubstitutionSubstitution Substitution, Arsenal. Danny Welbeck replaces Francis Coquelin.
75:30Attempt missed. Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Laurent Koscielny.
72:23Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Francis Coquelin.
72:19Attempt blocked. Didier Drogba (Chelsea) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
71:44 BookingBooking Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card.
71:34Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) wins a free kick on the left wing.
71:34Foul by Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea).
68:19Attempt missed. Per Mertesacker (Arsenal) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left following a set piece situation.
67:41 BookingBooking Willian (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
67:36Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
67:36Foul by Willian (Chelsea).
67:04Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Branislav Ivanovic.
65:34Foul by Mesut Özil (Arsenal).
65:34Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
65:06Attempt saved. Didier Drogba (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Willian.
64:06Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by John Terry.
62:17Hand ball by Mesut Özil (Arsenal).
60:11Delay over. They are ready to continue.
59:30Delay in match Francis Coquelin (Arsenal) because of an injury.
57:31Mesut Özil (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
57:31Foul by Nemanja Matic (Chelsea).
56:20Foul by Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).
56:20Ramires (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
55:41Attempt missed. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by César Azpilicueta.
54:12Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
54:12Foul by Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea).
51:13Delay over. They are ready to continue.
50:25Delay in match David Ospina (Arsenal) because of an injury.
50:12Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
50:12Foul by Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea).
45:20Foul by Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).
45:20John Terry (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
45:00Second Half begins Arsenal 0, Chelsea 0.
45:00 SubstitutionSubstitution Substitution, Chelsea. Didier Drogba replaces Oscar.
45:00 +1:59 Half timeHalf Time First Half ends, Arsenal 0, Chelsea 0.
45:00 +0:21Hand ball by Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal).
43:56Attempt saved. Mesut Özil (Arsenal) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
43:49Attempt blocked. Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mesut Özil.
39:20Attempt missed. Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Santiago Cazorla.
38:58Attempt missed. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Mesut Özil with a cross following a corner.
38:35Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Nemanja Matic.
37:51Mesut Özil (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
37:51Foul by Nemanja Matic (Chelsea).
37:22Attempt saved. Ramires (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Willian with a through ball.
33:45 BookingBooking Francis Coquelin (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
33:30Foul by Francis Coquelin (Arsenal).
33:30Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing.
33:20Attempt blocked. Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Héctor Bellerín.
26:59Foul by Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal).
26:59Oscar (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
25:52Attempt missed. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Mesut Özil with a cross.
22:25 BookingBooking Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card.
22:20Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea) has gone down, but that's a dive.
18:21Attempt blocked. Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Willian.
17:24Attempt missed. Gary Cahill (Chelsea) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Cesc Fàbregas with a cross following a corner.
17:15Delay over. They are ready to continue.
15:50Delay in match Oscar (Chelsea) because of an injury.
15:09Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Héctor Bellerín.
15:07Attempt blocked. Oscar (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Cesc Fàbregas with a through ball.
12:44Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Cesc Fàbregas.
10:21Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
10:21Foul by Francis Coquelin (Arsenal).
7:56Foul by Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea).
7:56Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
6:31Willian (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
6:31Foul by Francis Coquelin (Arsenal).
5:51Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Branislav Ivanovic.
5:48Attempt blocked. Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Nacho Monreal.
3:06Foul by Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea).
3:06Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
2:10Foul by Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea).
2:10Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
1:31Ramires (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing.
1:31Foul by Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal).
0:00First Half begins.
0:00Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
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